Dictionary
lick
Pronunciation: (lik), [key]—
v.t.
1. to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat (often fol. by
up, off, from, etc.):
to lick a postage stamp; to lick an ice-cream cone.
2. to make, or cause to become, by stroking with the tongue:
to lick a spoon clean.
3. (of waves, flames, etc.) to pass or play lightly over:
The flame licked the dry timber.
4. Informal.
a. to hit or beat, esp. as a punishment; thrash; whip.
b. to overcome or defeat, as in a fight, game, or contest.
c. to outdo or surpass.
—
v.i.
1. to move quickly or lightly.
2. lick ass, Slang (vulgar). See
kiss (def. 10).
3. lick into shape, Informal. to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc.:
They needed another rehearsal to lick the production into shape.
4. lick one's chops. See
chop 3 (def. 7).
5. lick one's wounds. See
wound1 (def. 4).
6. lick the dust. See
dust (def. 16).
7. lick up, to lap up; devour greedily.
—
n.
1. a stroke of the tongue over something.
2. as much as can be taken up by one stroke of the tongue.
3. See
salt lick.
4. Informal.
a. a blow.
b. a brief, brisk burst of activity or energy.
c. a quick pace or clip; speed.
d. a small amount:
I haven't done a lick of work all week.
5. Usually,
licks. a critical or complaining remark.
6. Usually,
licks. Jazz Slang.a musical phrase, as by a soloist in improvising.
7. last licks, a final turn or opportunity:
We got in our last licks on the tennis court before the vacation ended.
8. lick and a promise, a hasty and perfunctory performance in doing something:
I didn't have time to clean thoroughly, so I gave the room a lick and a promise. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
