n.
Pronunciation: ' lik
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English liccian; akin to Old High German leck ō n to lick, Latin lingere, Greek leichein
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to draw the tongue over < lick 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 lick ed every problem>
intransitive verb
1 : to lap with or as if with the tongue
2 : to dart like a tongue <flames lick ing out of windows>
– lick into shape : to put into proper form or condition
– lick one's chops : to feel or show eager anticipation
– lick one's wounds : to recover from defeat or disappointment