Main Entry:

¹lick

Pronunciation:

\ˈlik\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English liccian; akin to Old High German leckōn to lick, Latin lingere, Greek leichein

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1 a (1): to draw the tongue over (2): to flicker over like a tongue b: to take into the mouth with the tongue : lap2 a: to strike repeatedly : thrash b: to get the better of : overcome, defeatintransitive verb1: to lap with or as if with the tongue2: to dart like a tongue

— lick into shape

: to put into proper form or condition

— lick one's chops

: to feel or show eager anticipation

— lick one's wounds

: to recover from defeat or disappointment