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.
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.
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.