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 bootlicker

  • Henry, live it like a gentleman and not like an understrapper and bootlicker!

    In the Heart of a Fool |William Allen White
  • You have turned master, haven't you—bootlicker ordering me to stand watch!

    The Cruise of the Dry Dock |T. S. Stribling

British Dictionary definitions for bootlicker

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