subs. (common).—A thrashing. For synonyms, see TANNING.
1820. COMBE, Dr. Syntax, Consolations, C. III.
| In vulgar terms, he’d had his LICKING, | |
| Not with Ma’am’s cuffs, but by her kicking. |
1837. R. H. BARHAM, The Ingoldsby Legends, ‘The Brothers of Birchington,’ II. 320.
| What still at your tricking? | |
| You will have a kicking? | |
| I see you won’t rest until you’ve got a good LICKING. |
1838. C. SELBY, Hunting a Turtle. I owes you a LICKING, so I’ll pay you.
1871. Figaro, 22 April, ‘Public School,’ etc. Various punishments that, in schoolboy language, are called ‘woppings,’ ‘LICKINGS,’ and ‘spankings,’ may be received by the sufferers with a grim John Bullish resolve to endure the pain with a martyr’s fortitude.
1882. T. A. GUTHRIE (‘F. Anstey’), Vice Versâ, v. If I hear of her favouring you more than any other fellows, I’ll give you the very best LICKING you ever had in your life. So look out!
1889. Polytechnic Magazine, 24 Oct., 264. The Wanderers journeyed down to Tottenham, to play the above club, half anticipating a LICKING.
