— licker , n.
/lik/ , 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.
5. to move quickly or lightly.
6. lick ass , Slang ( vulgar ). See kiss (def. 10).
7. 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.
8. lick one's chops . See chop 3 (def. 7).
9. lick one's wounds . See wound 1 (def. 4).
10. lick the dust . See dust (def. 16).
11. lick up , to lap up; devour greedily.
n.
12. a stroke of the tongue over something.
13. as much as can be taken up by one stroke of the tongue.
14. See salt lick .
15. 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.
16. Usually, licks . a critical or complaining remark.
17. Usually, licks . Jazz Slang. a musical phrase, as by a soloist in improvising.
18. last licks , a final turn or opportunity: We got in our last licks on the tennis court before the vacation ended.
19. 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.
[ bef. 1000; ME; OE liccian, c. OS liccon, OHG leckon; akin to Go bilaigon, L lingere, Gk leíchein to lick (up) ]
Syn. 15a. thwack, thump, rap, slap, cuff, buffet.