Lick  —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]