v. & n.
--v.tr. & intr.
1. tr. pass the tongue over, esp. to taste, moisten, or (of animals) clean.
2 tr. bring into a specified condition or position by licking (licked it all up; licked it clean).
3 a tr. (of a flame, waves, etc.) touch; play lightly over. b intr. move gently or caressingly.
4 colloq. a defeat, excel. b surpass the comprehension of (has got me licked).
5 colloq. thrash.
--n.
1. an act of licking with the tongue.
2 salt-lick.
3 colloq. a fast pace (at a lick; at full lick).
4 colloq. a a small amount, quick treatment with (foll. by of: a lick of paint). b a quick wash.
5 a smart blow with a stick etc.
Phrases and idioms:
a lick and a promise colloq. a hasty performance of a task, esp. of washing oneself. lick a person's boots (or shoes) toady; be servile. lick into shape see SHAPE. lick one's lips (or chops)
1. look forward with relish.
2 show one's satisfaction. lick one's wounds be in retirement after defeat.
Derivatives:
licker n. (also in comb.).
Etymology: OE liccian f. WG