Peck, 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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Peck (?), n.
A quick, sharp stroke, as with the beak of a bird or a pointed instrument.
© Webster 1913.