peck 1
/pek/ , n.
1. a dry measure of 8 quarts; the fourth part of a bushel, equal to 537.6 cubic inches (8.81 liters).
2. a container for measuring this quantity. Abbr.: pk, pk.
3. a considerable quantity: a peck of trouble.
[ 1250-1300; ME pek ]
peck 2
/pek/ , v.t.
1. to strike or indent with the beak, as a bird does, or with some pointed instrument, esp. with quick, repeated movements.
2. to make (a hole, puncture, etc.) by such strokes; pierce.
3. to take (food) bit by bit, with or as with the beak.
v.i.
4. to make strokes with the beak or a pointed instrument.
5. peck at ,
a. to nibble indifferently or unenthusiastically at (food).
b. to nag or carp at: Stop pecking at me, I'm doing the best I can.
n.
6. a quick stroke, as in pecking.
7. a hole or mark made by or as by pecking.
8. a quick, almost impersonal kiss: a peck on the cheek.
9. (in timber) incipient decay from fungi, occurring in isolated spots.
10. pecks . Also, peckings . Slang. food.
[ 1300-50; ME pecke pecken; akin to PICK 1 ]
Syn. 5a . pick at, poke at.