Peck

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A quick, sharp stroke, as with the beak of a bird or a pointed instrument.

Part of speech: verb (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.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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.