bootlick

[ boot-lik ]
/ ˈbutˌlɪk /

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.

Origin of bootlick

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boot1 + lick

OTHER WORDS FROM bootlick

boot·lick·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for bootlick

  • 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
/ (ˈbuːtˌlɪk) /

verb

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

Derived forms of bootlick

bootlicker, noun