lick

lick [lik]

vt.

[ME licken < OE liccian, akin to Ger lecken < IE base * leig̑h-, to lick > Gr leichein, L ligurrire, to lick, lingere, to lick up]

1. to pass the tongue over [to lick one's lips]

2. to bring into a certain condition by passing the tongue over [to lick one's fingers clean]

3. to pass lightly over like a tongue [flames licking the logs]

4. Informal

a) to whip; thrash

b) to overcome, vanquish, or control

vi.

to move lightly and quickly, as a flame [waves licking about her feet]

n.

1. the act of licking with the tongue

2. a small quantity

3. short for SALT LICK

4. Informal

a) a sharp blow

b) a short, rapid burst of activity, often careless, as in cleaning up, etc.: also lick and a promise

c) a fast pace; spurt of speed; clip

☆ 5. Slang a phrase of jazz music, esp. an interpolated improvisation

6. [often pl.] Slang chance; turn [to get one's licks in]

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lick into shape

Informal to bring into proper condition by careful, persistent work

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lick one's chops

to anticipate eagerly

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lick up

to consume as by licking or lapping