Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LICK, v.t.¹ [Sax. liccian; Goth. laigwan; G. lecken, schlecken; D. likken; Dan. likker, slikker; Sw. slekia, slikia; Fr. lecher; It. leccare; Ir. leagaim, lighim; Russ. lokayu, liju; L. lingo; Gr. λειχω; Sans. lih. Class Lg, No. 12, 18. See Like and Sleek.]

1. To pass or draw the tongue over the surface; as, a dog licks a wound. – Temple.
2. To lap; to take in by the tongue; as, a dog or cat licks milk. 1 Kings xxi. To lick up, to devour; to consume entirely. Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as an ox licketh up the grass of the field. Numb. xxii. To lick the dust, to be slain; to perish in battle. His enemies shall lick the dust. – Ps. xxii.