v. & n.
v.tr. & intr. 1 tr. pass the tongue over, esp. to taste, moisten, or (of animals) clean. 2 tr. bring into a specified condition or position by licking (licked it all up; licked it clean). 3 a tr. (of a flame, waves, etc.) touch; play lightly over. b intr. move gently or caressingly. 4 colloq. a defeat, excel. b surpass the comprehension of (has got me licked). 5 colloq. thrash.
n. 1 an act of licking with the tongue. 2 = salt-lick. 3 colloq. a fast pace (at a lick; at full lick). 4 colloq. a a small amount, quick treatment with (foll. by of: a lick of paint). b a quick wash. 5 a smart blow with a stick etc. a lick and a promise colloq. a hasty performance of a task, esp. of washing oneself. lick a person's boots (or shoes) toady; be servile. lick into shape see SHAPE. lick one's lips (or chops) 1 look forward with relish. 2 show one's satisfaction. lick one's wounds be in retirement after defeat. licker n. (also in comb.).
[ OE liccian f. WG ]