1. To strike with the beak: This is the most common meaning of "peck," referring to the action of a bird using its beak to eat, explore, or attack.
* Example: "The chicken pecked at the seeds scattered on the ground."
2. A light, quick strike: This meaning refers to a light and quick blow, often with a pointed object.
* Example: "He gave the door a peck with his finger to see if it was unlocked."
3. A unit of dry measure: This meaning is specific to the United States and Canada and refers to a unit of dry measure equal to eight quarts.
* Example: "The farmer harvested a peck of apples from his orchard."