lick
lick / lik/ • v. [tr.] 1. pass the tongue over (something), typically in order to taste, moisten, or clean it: he licked the stamp and stuck it on the envelope [intr.] he licked at his damaged hand with his tongue. ∎ [intr.] fig. (of a flame, wave, or breeze) move lightly and quickly like a tongue: the flames licked around the wood.2. inf. defeat (someone) comprehensively: all right Mary, I know when I'm licked. ∎ thrash: she stands tall and could lick any man in the place.• n. 1. an act of licking something with the tongue: Sammy gave his fingers a long lick. ∎ fig. a movement of flame, water, etc., resembling this.2. inf. a small amount or quick application of something, esp. paint: all she'd need to do to the kitchen was give it a lick of paint.3. (often licks) inf. a short phrase or solo in jazz or popular music: cool guitar licks.4. inf. a smart blow: his mother gave him several licks for daring to blaspheme.PHRASES: at a lick inf. at a fast pace; with considerable speed.a lick and a promise inf. a hasty performance of a task, esp. of cleaning something.lick someone's boots (or vulgar slang ass) be excessively obsequious toward someone, esp. to gain favor from them.lick someone/something into shapesee shape.lick one's lips (or chops) look forward to something with eager anticipation.lick one's wounds retire to recover one's strength or confidence after a defeat or humiliating experience: the political organization he worked for was licking its wounds after electoral defeat.DERIVATIVES: lick·er n. [usu. in combination] .
lick
Hence sb. XVII.
lick
See also lick one's lips at lip.