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bootlick

[boot-lik]
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verb (used with object)
  1. to seek the favor or goodwill of in a servile, degraded way; toady to.
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verb (used without object)
  1. to be a toady.
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Origin of bootlick

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

Synonyms

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1, 2. flatter, fawn; apple-polish.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

fawn, toady, grovel

Examples from the Web for bootlick

Historical Examples

  • 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
  1. informal to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp someone in authority); toady
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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