salt lick

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

(LICK)


1) In America, a place where the beasts of the forest lick for salt at salt springs. Webster. "A salt spring is called a lick, from the earth about them being furrowed out in a most curious manner, by the buffalo and deer, which lick the earth on account of the saline particles with which it is impregnated."--Imlay's Topog. Description of the Western Territory of N. America.

TO LICK

2) To beat. Common, as a colloquial expression, in many parts of England.--Todd. To lick, a lick, a licking, are common words in speech, though not in writing.--Richardson. These remarks apply with perfect accuracy to this country.

How nimbly forward each one pricks,

While their thin sides the rider licks.

Maro, p. 24.

What side are you on? "Well, I am for Jackson," says I. "Mister, what makes you for Jackson?" "Why," says I, "he licked the British at New Orleans, and paid off the national debt."--Crockett, Tour, p. 141.

"Don't put Spriggins in," said a ragged youth, "he's a high flyer! he licked Kneeland last winter, 'cause he said he warn't no gentleman."--Mrs. Clavers's Forest Life, Vol. II. p. 39.

Boys! behave! or if you must fight, don't let those who have offices lick those who haven't.--N. Y. Tribune to Evening Post.

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

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