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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Peck \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Peck \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Peck \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)