■ noun a white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young.
↘the ~ of cows (or occasionally goats or ewes) as a drink for humans.
↘the white juice of certain plants, such as the coconut.
↘a creamy liquid with a particular use: cleansing ~.
■ verb
1》 draw ~ from (a cow or other animal).
↘extract sap, venom, or other substances from.
2》 exploit or defraud by taking small amounts of money over a period of time.
3》 get all possible advantage from (a situation).
Phrases
in ~ (of an animal) producing ~.
~ and honey prosperity and abundance. [with biblical allusion to the prosperity of the Promised Land (Exod. 3:8).]
Origin
OE milc , milcian , of Gmc origin.