peck Definition

peck¹
verb pecked, pecking

1. Said of a bird: to strike, nip or pick at it with the beak.

Example: pecked his finger
Example: pecked at the bark of the tree
Thesaurus: hit, rap, jab, blow, tap.
Form: peck at something (also)
2. To poke (a hole) with the beak.
3. To kiss someone or something in a quick or perfunctory way.

Example: pecked her on the cheek

noun

1. A tap or nip with the beak.

Thesaurus: blow, rap, jab, hit, tap.
2. A perfunctory kiss.

Etymology: 14c: probably related to pick¹.

Phrasal Verb: peck at something

To eat (food) in a cursory, inattentive or dainty way, without enjoyment or application.To nit-pick or quibble at it.

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peck²
noun

1. In the imperial system: a measure of capacity of dry goods, especially grain, equal to two gallons (9.1 litres) or a quarter of a bushel.
2. A measuring container holding this quantity.
3. old use
A large amount.
Example: a peck of troubles

Etymology: 13c: from French pek.