PECK Meaning and
Definition
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Peck (noun) refers to a unit of measurement commonly used for dry goods, such as grains or apples. It denotes an amount equal to a quarter of a bushel or eight dry quarts (approximately 9.09 liters). Originally derived from the Old English word "pec," meaning a vessel or container, the term has evolved to represent a specific quantity rather than a physical container itself.
Additionally, peck (verb) describes the action of a bird using its beak to quickly and repeatedly bite or tap something, often referring to their feeding behavior. Birds, such as chickens or woodpeckers, utilize this motion to grasp, pick up or consume food items like seeds or insects. The verb "peck" can also denote the act of gently tapping or kissing someone, usually with romantic or affectionate intentions.
In a figurative sense, the verb "peck" can be used to describe repeatedly and persistently criticizing or nagging someone, as if pecking away at their emotions or self-esteem. This connotation emphasizes the repetitive nature of the criticism, similar to a bird pecking at its food or pecking at someone's patience.
Furthermore, peck (verb) can also mean to make shallow, quick marks on or in something using a pointed object. This can refer to actions like making quick strokes with a pen or writing tool, or tapping lightly on a keyboard.
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• A measure for dry things; the fourth part of a bushel.
• To strike with the beak, as a bird; to pick up food with the bill or beak; to dig or strike lightly with a pointed instrument.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PECK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PECK
Etymology of PECK
The word peck has its origin in Old English. It is derived from the West Germanic word pikkan which means to pick or to strike with a pointed object. Over time, this word evolved into the Middle English term pecke or pekke, which refers to the action of pecking or striking with the beak or bill of a bird. It eventually solidified into the modern English word peck.
Idioms with the word PECK
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peck at sth
The definition of the idiom "peck at something" is:
To eat or nibble at something in small amounts, often in a hesitant or intermittent manner. It can also refer to making small, insignificant efforts towards completing a task or dealing with a problem.
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bushel and a peck (and some in a gourd)
The idiom "bushel and a peck (and some in a gourd)" is an expression used to convey a strong feeling of love or affection for someone. It implies that the speaker has great fondness and an immeasurable amount of love for the person being referred to.
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You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die
The idiom "You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die" means that throughout a person's life, they will face various challenges, endure hardships, and experience unpleasant things. It suggests that adversity and difficulty are inevitable aspects of life that everyone must confront at some point. Just as eating a peck of dirt is unpleasant and unappetizing, it symbolizes the undesirable experiences one encounters on their journey. The idiom emphasizes the idea that everyone will face struggles and setbacks, but it is how they deal with and overcome these challenges that shape their character.
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peck at
The idiom "peck at" means to eat or pick at something in a hesitant, nibbling, or sporadic manner, often due to lack of appetite or interest. It can also refer to making minor, ineffective, or superficial attempts at something.
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bushel and a peck
The idiom "bushel and a peck" means a large or indeterminate amount, usually referring to a considerable and imprecise quantity. It often implies a great deal of something or an overwhelming affection towards someone.
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bushel and a peck (and sm in a gourd)
The idiom "bushel and a peck (and sm in a gourd)" means to have strong affection or love for someone. It is often used to convey a deep emotional attachment or a high level of fondness.
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peck sth up
Similar spelling words for PECK
- peach,
- peak,
- peek,
- pesce,
- peag,
- peke,
- pesky,
- peaks,
- peg,
- PECO,
- peachey,
- pekoe,
- pech,
- peaky,
- peachy,
- pes,
- peace,
- pecs,
- peso,
- peake,
- Pegg.
Conjugate verb Peck
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have pecked
you
would have pecked
he/she/it
would have pecked
we
would have pecked
they
would have pecked
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been pecking
you
would have been pecking
he/she/it
would have been pecking
we
would have been pecking
they
would have been pecking
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would peck
you
would peck
he/she/it
would peck
we
would peck
they
would peck
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be pecking
you
would be pecking
he/she/it
would be pecking
we
would be pecking
they
would be pecking
FUTURE
I
will peck
you
will peck
he/she/it
will peck
we
will peck
they
will peck
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be pecking
you
will be pecking
he/she/it
will be pecking
we
will be pecking
they
will be pecking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have pecked
you
will have pecked
he/she/it
will have pecked
we
will have pecked
they
will have pecked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been pecking
you
will have been pecking
he/she/it
will have been pecking
we
will have been pecking
they
will have been pecking
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s peck
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was pecking
you
were pecking
he/she/it
was pecking
we
were pecking
they
were pecking
PAST PARTICIPLE
pecked
PAST PERFECT
I
had pecked
you
had pecked
he/she/it
had pecked
we
had pecked
they
had pecked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been pecking
you
had been pecking
he/she/it
had been pecking
we
had been pecking
they
had been pecking
PRESENT
I
peck
you
peck
he/she/it
pecks
we
peck
they
peck
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am pecking
you
are pecking
he/she/it
is pecking
we
are pecking
they
are pecking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
pecking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have pecked
you
have pecked
he/she/it
has pecked
we
have pecked
they
have pecked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been pecking
you
have been pecking
he/she/it
has been pecking
we
have been pecking
they
have been pecking
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
peck
SIMPLE PAST
I
pecked
you
pecked
he/she/it
pecked
we
pecked
they
pecked
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