[lick] vb [ME, fr. OE liccian; akin to OHG leckon to lick, L lingere, Gk leichein] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a (1): to draw the tongue over "~ a stamp" (2): to flicker over like a tongue b: to take into the mouth with the tongue: lap
2. a: to strike repeatedly: thrash b: to get the better of: overcome, defeat "has ~ed every problem" ~ vi 1: to lap with or as if with the tongue
2: to dart like a tongue "flames ~ing out of windows" -- lick into shape : to put into proper form or condition -- lick one's wounds : to recover from defeat or disappointment
[2]lick n (1603) 1 a: an act or instance of licking b: a small amount: bit "couldn't swim a ~" c: a hasty careless effort
2. a: a sharp hit: blow b: a directed effort: crack--usu. used in pl.--usu. used in the phrase get in one's licks 3 a: a natural salt deposit (as a salt spring) that animals lick b: a block of often medicated saline preparation given to livestock to lick
4: a musical figure; specif: an interpolated and usu. improvised figure or flourish
5: a critical thrust: dig, barb -- lick and a promise : a perfunctory performance of a task