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definitions

bootlick

[boot-lik]
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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.

Origin of bootlick

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boot1 + lick
Related formsboot·lick·er, noun

Synonyms for bootlick

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR bootlick ON THESAURUS.COM
1, 2. flatter, fawn; apple-polish.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for bootlick

fawn, toady, grovel

Examples from the Web for bootlick

Historical Examples of 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

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