\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.

\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.

\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.

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