PICK

n. & v. --n. 1 a long-handled tool having a usu. curved iron bar pointed at one or both ends, used for breaking up hard ground, masonry, etc. 2 colloq. a plectrum. 3 any instrument for picking, such as a toothpick. --v.tr. 1 break the surface of (the ground etc.) with or as if with a pick. 2 make (holes etc.) in this way. [ME, app. var. of PIKE(2)]