Lick

lik, v.t. to pa the tongue over: to take in by the tongue: to lap: to beat by repeated blows: ( coll. ) to triumph over, overcome.— n. a pa ing the tongue over: a slight smear: ( Scot. ) a tiny amount: a blow: ( coll. ) an attempt, trial: ( pl. , Scot. ) a thrashing.— ns. Lick′er ; Lick′ing , a thrashing; Lick′penny ( Scot. ), a miserly person; Lick′-plat′ter , Lick′-trench′er , Lick′spittle , a mean, servile dependent.— Lick into shape , to give form and method to—from the notion that the she-bear gives form to her shapele young by licking them; Lick the dust , to be slain: to be abjectly servile. [A.S. liccian ; Ger. lecken , L. lingĕre , Gr. leichein .]