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