GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Peck, n. [Perh. akin to pack; or, orig., an indefinite quantity, and fr. peck, v. (below): cf. also F. picotin a peak.]
   The fourth part of a bushel; a dry measure of eight quarts; as, a peck of wheat. “A peck of provender.”
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   A great deal; a large or excessive quantity. “A peck of uncertainties and doubts.” Milton.
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2.       
   Peck, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pecked ; p. pr. & vb. n. Pecking.] [See Pick, v.]
   To strike with the beak; to thrust the beak into; as, a bird pecks a tree.
   1913 Webster
   Hence: To strike, pick, thrust against, or dig into, with a pointed instrument; especially, to strike, pick, etc., with repeated quick movements.
   1913 Webster
   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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   To make, by striking with the beak or a pointed instrument; as, to peck a hole in a tree.
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3.       
   Peck, v. i.
   To make strokes with the beak, or with a pointed instrument.
   Carew.
   
   1913 Webster
   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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4.       
   Peck , n. A quick, sharp stroke, as with the beak of a bird or a pointed instrument.
   1913 Webster