peck at
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To nag
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
"Ghouls and harpies!" Brissenden snapped out with clicking teeth. "Yes, I know the spawn—complacently pecking at him for his Father Damien letter, analyzing him, weighing him—"
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To eat unenthusiastically and in small bites.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “peck at” mean?
To nag
Is “peck at” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.