peck: Meaning and Definition of

peck

Pronunciation: (pek), [key]
— n.
  1. a dry measure of 8 quarts; the fourth part of a bushel, equal to 537.6 cubic inches (8.81 liters).
  2. a container for measuring this quantity. Abbr.: pk, pk.
  3. a considerable quantity: a peck of trouble.

peck

Pronunciation: (pek), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to strike or indent with the beak, as a bird does, or with some pointed instrument, esp. with quick, repeated movements.
  2. to make (a hole, puncture, etc.) by such strokes; pierce.
  3. to take (food) bit by bit, with or as with the beak.
—v.i.
  1. to make strokes with the beak or a pointed instrument.
  2. Stop pecking at me, I'm doing the best I can.
    1. to nibble indifferently or unenthusiastically at (food).
    2. to nag or carp at:Stop pecking at me, I'm doing the best I can.
—n.
  1. a quick stroke, as in pecking.
  2. a hole or mark made by or as by pecking.
  3. a quick, almost impersonal kiss: a peck on the cheek.
  4. (in timber) incipient decay from fungi, occurring in isolated spots.
  5. food.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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