peck

v. to bite or hit something with a beak, like a bird does.

v. to strike or pierce something with the beak or bill, typically with quick, repeated movements.

“The chickens began to peck at the seeds scattered on the ground.”

“The woodpecker continued to peck at the bark of the old oak tree, searching for insects hidden beneath the surface.”

v. to give someone a very quick, light kiss.

v. to kiss someone briefly and lightly, often as a casual greeting or sign of affection.

“She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before she left for work.”

“He leaned over to peck his daughter on the forehead as she fell asleep during the movie.”

Informal

v. to eat only a little bit of food, usually because you are not hungry or do not like it.

v. to eat sparingly or without appetite, often by taking small, intermittent bites.

“He wasn't very hungry, so he just pecked at his salad during lunch.”

“Throughout the formal dinner, she merely pecked at her food, clearly distracted by the news she had received earlier that day.”

Informal

n. a short, light kiss.

n. a brief, light kiss, typically delivered to the cheek or forehead.

“He gave her a peck on the cheek and said goodbye.”

“The greeting was nothing more than a formal peck, suggesting a lingering tension between the two former colleagues.”

Informal

n. a unit for measuring dry things like fruit or grain, equal to two gallons.

n. a dry measure of eight quarts, equivalent to one quarter of a bushel.

“The farmer sold a peck of apples at the local market.”

“The historical records indicate that the tithe was paid in pecks of grain, a standard unit for agricultural trade in the region.”

Technical