Peck /(pĕk)/

1. The fourth part of a bushel; a dry measure of eight quarts; as, a peck of wheat.
2. A great deal; a large or excessive quantity.

imp. & p. p. Pecked; p. pr. & vb. n. Pecking

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.

   This fellow pecks up wit as pigeons peas.

4. To make, by striking with the beak or a pointed instrument; as, to peck a hole in a tree.

1. To make strokes with the beak, or with a pointed instrument.
2. To pick up food with the beak; hence, to eat.

   [The hen] went pecking by his side.

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