- 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. Informala) to whip; thrashb) to overcome, vanquish, or controlvi.to move lightly and quickly, as a flame [waves licking about her feet]n.1. the act of licking with the tongue2. a small quantity3. short for SALT LICK4. Informala) a sharp blowb) a short, rapid burst of activity, often careless, as in cleaning up, etc.: also lick and a promisec) a fast pace; spurt of speed; clip☆ 5. Slang a phrase of jazz music, esp. an interpolated improvisation6. [often pl.] Slang chance; turn [to get one's licks in]——————lick into shapeInformal to bring into proper condition by careful, persistent work——————lick one's chopsto anticipate eagerly——————lick upto consume as by licking or lapping
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.