'To peck at' definitions:

Definition of 'To peck at'

From: GCIDE
  • Peck \Peck\, v. i.
  • 1. To make strokes with the beak, or with a pointed instrument. --Carew. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To pick up food with the beak; hence, to eat. [1913 Webster]
  • [The hen] went pecking by his side. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • To peck at, (a) to attack with petty and repeated blows; to carp at; to nag; to tease. (a) to eat slowly and in small portions, with litle interest; as, to peck at one's food. [1913 Webster]