definitions

bootlick

[ boot-lik ]
/ ˈbutˌlɪk /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR bootlick ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to seek the favor or goodwill of in a servile, degraded way; toady to.

verb (used without object)

to be a toady.

RELATED WORDS

fawn, toady, grovel

Nearby words

bootleg play, bootlegged, bootlegging, bootless, bootlessly, bootlick, bootloader, boots, boots and all, boots and saddles, bootstrap

Origin of bootlick

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boot1 + lick
Related formsboot·lick·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bootlick

  • You have to be a bit of a bootlick, and people will give you tips, which is against all scout rules.

    Boy Scouts in Glacier Park|Walter Prichard Eaton

British Dictionary definitions for bootlick

bootlick

/ (ˈbuːtˌlɪk) /

verb

informal to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp someone in authority); toady
Derived Formsbootlicker, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012