/ pek; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
peck (at sth) ( of birds ) to move the beak forward quickly and hit or bite sth :
[ v ]
A robin was pecking at crumbs on the ground.
[ vn ]
A bird had pecked a hole in the sack.
Vultures had pecked out the dead goat's eyes.
2.
[ vn ] peck sb (on sth) ( informal ) to kiss sb lightly and quickly :
He pecked her on the cheek as he went out.
She pecked his cheek.
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IDIOMS
- a / the pecking order
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PHRASAL VERBS
- peck at sth
■ noun
1.
( informal ) a quick kiss :
He gave her a friendly peck on the cheek.
2.
an act of pecking sb/sth :
The budgerigar gave a quick peck at the seed.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : of unknown origin; compare with Middle Low German pekken peck (with the beak).