lick

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
lick/lɪk/

▶verb

• 1 pass the tongue over (something) in order to taste, moisten, or clean it.

• 2 move lightly and quickly like a tongue: the flames licked around the wood.

• 3 informal defeat comprehensively.

  ■ N. Amer. overcome (a difficulty).

▶noun

• 1 an act of licking.

• 2 informal a small amount or quick application of something: a lick of paint.

• 3 informal a short phrase or solo in jazz or popular music.

• 4 informal a smart blow.

– phrases
at a lick informal at a fast pace.
a lick and a promise informal a hasty wash.
lick someone's boots (or vulgar slang arse) be excessively obsequious.

– derivatives
-licker noun,
licking noun.

– origin OE liccian, of W. Gmc origin.