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definitions

bootlick

[ boot-lik ]
/ ˈbutˌlɪk /
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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

bootlegged, bootlegger, 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

British Dictionary definitions for bootlicking

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