PECK


Meaning of PECK in English

/ pek; NAmE / verb , noun

■ verb

1.

peck (at sth) ( of birds ) to move the beak forward quickly and hit or bite sth :

[ v ]

A robin was pecking at crumbs on the ground.

[ vn ]

A bird had pecked a hole in the sack.

Vultures had pecked out the dead goat's eyes.

2.

[ vn ] peck sb (on sth) ( informal ) to kiss sb lightly and quickly :

He pecked her on the cheek as he went out.

She pecked his cheek.

IDIOMS

- a / the pecking order

PHRASAL VERBS

- peck at sth

■ noun

1.

( informal ) a quick kiss :

He gave her a friendly peck on the cheek.

2.

an act of pecking sb/sth :

The budgerigar gave a quick peck at the seed.

••

WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English : of unknown origin; compare with Middle Low German pekken peck (with the beak).

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.