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n.[Perh. akin to pack; or, orig., an indefinite quantity, and fr. peck, v. (below): cf. also F. picotin a peak.] 1. The fourth part of a bushel; a dry measure of eight quarts; as, a peck of wheat. "A peck of provender." Shak. 2. A great deal; a large or excessive quantity. "A peck of uncertainties and doubts." Milton. Peck v. t.[imp. & p. p.Pecked (); p. pr. & vb. n.Pecking.] [See Pick, v.] 1. To strike with the beak; to thrust the beak into; as, a bird pecks a tree. 2. Hence: To strike, pick, thrust against, or dig into, with a pointed instrument; especially, to strike, pick, etc., with repeated quick movements. 3. To seize and pick up with the beak, or as with the beak; to bite; to eat; -- often with up. Addison. This fellow pecks up wit as pigeons peas. Shak. 4. To make, by striking with the beak or a pointed instrument; as, to peck a hole in a tree. Peck v. i. 1. To make strokes with the beak, or with a pointed instrument. Carew. 2. To pick up food with the beak; hence, to eat. [The hen] went pecking by his side. Dryden. To peck at, to attack with petty and repeated blows; to carp at; to nag; to tease. Peck (), n.A quick, sharp stroke, as with the beak of a bird or a pointed instrument. スポンサード リンク
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