bootlicking

English

Verb

bootlicking

1. present participle of bootlick

Noun

bootlicking (countable and uncountable, plural bootlickings)

1. servile behaviour
   • 1951, The Library Assistant (volumes 44-45, page xiii)

     The most obvious — for a junior struggling to lift himself from the mire by his bootlickings — is to go to his Chief and say — frankly — "Out! I need the experience and you need a rest. Clear off for a month or two. I'll cope."