pecking

Peck \Peck\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pecked} (p[e^]kt); 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.
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   2. Hence: To strike, pick, thrust against, or dig into, with
      a pointed instrument; especially, to strike, pick, etc.,
      with repeated quick movements.
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   3. To seize and pick up with the beak, or as with the beak;
      to bite; to eat; -- often with up. --Addison.
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            This fellow pecks up wit as pigeons peas. --Shak.
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   4. To make, by striking with the beak or a pointed
      instrument; as, to peck a hole in a tree.
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