GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 4 definitions
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Peck, n. [Perh. akin to pack; or, orig., an indefinite quantity, and fr. peck, v. (below): cf. also F. picotin a peak.]
1. The fourth part of a bushel; a dry measure of eight quarts; as, “a peck of wheat”. “A peck of provender.” Shak.
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2. A great deal; a large or excessive quantity. “A peck of uncertainties and doubts.” Milton.
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Peck, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pecked (pĕkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Pecking.] [See Pick, v.]
1. To strike with the beak; to thrust the beak into; as, “a bird pecks a tree”.
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2. Hence: To strike, pick, thrust against, or dig into, with a pointed instrument; especially, to strike, pick, etc., with repeated quick movements.
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3. To seize and pick up with the beak, or as with the beak; to bite; to eat; -- often with up. Addison.
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This fellow pecks up wit as pigeons peas. Shak.
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4. To make, by striking with the beak or a pointed instrument; as, “to peck a hole in a tree”.
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Peck, v. i.
1. To make strokes with the beak, or with a pointed instrument. Carew.
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2. To pick up food with the beak; hence, to eat.
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[The hen] went pecking by his side. Dryden.
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To peck at, (a) to attack with petty and repeated blows; to carp at; to nag; to tease. (a) to eat slowly and in small portions, with litle interest; as, “to peck at one's food”.
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Peck (pĕk), n. A quick, sharp stroke, as with the beak of a bird or a pointed instrument.
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