I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: boot (III) + lick
transitive verb
: to fawn on : cultivate the favor of through obsequious speech or actions
always beholden to the favor of kings and princes, bootlicking bishops for a pittance, courting fair ladies for a few crowns — Corra Harris
intransitive verb
: to act as a bootlicker : play the sycophant
II. noun
( -s )
: bootlicker
Synonyms: see parasite