Definitions for the word "lick" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To draw or pass the tongue over; as, a dog licks his master's hand.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To lap; to take in with the tongue; as, a dog or cat licks milk.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v.
A stroke of the tongue in licking.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v.
A quick and careless application of anything, as if by a stroke of the tongue, or of something which acts like a tongue; as, to put on colors with a lick of the brush. Also, a small quantity of any substance so applied.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v.
A place where salt is found on the surface of the earth, to which wild animals resort to lick it up; -- often, but not always, near salt springs.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To strike with repeated blows for punishment; to flog; to whip or conquer, as in a pugilistic encounter.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A slap; a quick stroke.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v.
1 pass the tongue over. 2 bring into a specified condition by licking (licked it all up; licked it clean). 3 (of a flame etc.) Play lightly over. 4 colloq. Defeat. 5 colloq. Thrash. n. 1 act of licking with the tongue. 2 colloq. Fast pace (at a lick). 3 smart blow. lick a person''s boots be servile. Lick into shape make presentable or efficient. Lick one''s lips (or chops) look forward with relish. Lick one''s wounds be in retirement regaining strength etc. After defeat. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
9. slang
a blow; LICKING, a beating; “to put in big LICKS,” a curious and
common phrase, meaning that great exertions are being made.—_Dryden_;
_North_.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
10. slang
to excel, or overcome; “if you ain’t sharp, he’ll LICK you,”
_i.e._, be finished first. Signifies, also, to whip, chastise, or
conquer. _Ancient cant_, LYCKE. _Welsh_, LLACHIO, to strike.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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