v. 1 pass the tongue over. 2 bring into a specified condition by licking (licked it all up; licked it clean). 3 (of a flame etc.) play lightly over. 4 colloq. defeat. 5 colloq. thrash. n. 1 act of licking with the tongue. 2 colloq. fast pace (at a lick). 3 smart blow.:; lick a person’s boots be servile. lick into shape make presentable or efficient. lick one’s lips (or chops) look forward with relish. lick one’s wounds be in retirement regaining strength etc. after defeat. [Old English]
