pecking 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.