Lick v. t. [imp. & p. p. Licked p. pr. & vb. n. Licking.]
1. To draw or pass the tongue over; as, a dog licks his master's hand.
2. To lap; to take in with the tongue; as, a dog or cat licks milk.
To lick the dust, to be slain; to fall in battle. “His enemies shall lick the dust.” --Ps. lxxii. 9.
To lick into shape, to give proper form to; -- from a notion that the bear's cubs are born shapeless and subsequently formed by licking. --Hudibras.
To lick the spittle of, to fawn upon. --South.
To lick up, to take all of by licking; to devour; to consume entirely. --Shak. --Num. xxii. 4.
Un·licked a. Not licked; hence, not properly formed; ungainly. Cf. To lick into shape, under Lick, v.
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