n.
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, perhaps from Middle Low German pekken
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : to strike or pierce especially repeatedly with the bill or a pointed tool b : to make by pecking < peck a hole>
2 : to pick up with the bill
intransitive verb
1 a : to strike, pierce, or pick up something with or as if with the bill b : CARP , NAG
2 : to eat reluctantly and in small bites < peck at food>