Licker

lick  (lk)

v. licked, lick·ing, licks

v.tr.

1. To pass the tongue over or along: lick a stamp.

2. To lap up.

3. To lap or flicker at like a tongue: The waves licked the sides of the boat.

4. Slang To punish with a beating; thrash.

5. Slang To get the better of; defeat: licked her weight problem.

v.intr.

To pass or lap quickly and rapidly: The flames licked at our feet.

n.

1. The act or process of licking.

2. An amount obtained by licking: a lick of ice cream.

3. A small quantity; a bit: hasn't got a lick of common sense.

4. A deposit of exposed natural salt that is licked by passing animals.

5. A sudden hard stroke; a blow.

6. An attempt; a try.

7. Informal Speed; pace: moving along at a good lick.

8. Music A phrase improvised by a soloist, especially on the guitar or banjo.

Idioms:

lick and a promise

A superficial effort made without care or enthusiasm.

lick into shape Informal

To bring into satisfactory condition or appearance.

lick (one's) chops

To anticipate delightedly.

lick (one's) wounds

To recuperate after a defeat.

lick (someone's) boots

To behave in a servile or obsequious manner toward someone.

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[Middle English licken, from Old English liccian; see leigh- in Indo-European roots.]

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licker n.