peck 1 
(pĕk)
(pĕk)v. pecked, peck·ing, pecks
v.tr.
1. To strike with the beak or a pointed instrument.
2. To make (a hole, for example) by striking repeatedly with the beak or a pointed instrument.
3. To grasp and pick up with the beak: The bird pecked insects from the log.
4. Informal To kiss briefly and casually.
v.intr.
1. To make strokes with the beak or a pointed instrument.
2. To eat in small sparing bits; nibble: He pecked at his dinner.
3. To make repeated criticisms; carp: pecked at the kitchen staff.
n.
1.
a. A stroke or light blow with the beak or a pointed instrument.
b. A mark or hole made by such a stroke.
2. Informal A light quick kiss.
[Middle English pecken, probably variant of piken, to peck (perhaps influenced by Middle Low German pekken); see PICK1.]