To lick is to pass the tongue over (something), e.g.
with the object of tasting, moistening the surface, or removing something
from it; or to lap with the tongue; to drink, sip. Of inanimate agents
(chiefly waves, flame, etc.): to lap, play lightly over, etc.; to take
up (moisture, etc.) in passing over.
"Lick" can be contemptuously used to smear with
cosmetics; to varnish, to smarten with paint; to "sleek" is to give a smooth
finish to a picture. It can mean to beat or thrash; to drive (something)
out of (a person or animal) by thrashing.
mb