LICKSPITTLE

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lick-spittle \Lick"-spit`tle\ (-sp[i^]t`t'l), n.
     An abject flatterer or parasite. --Theodore Hook.
     [1913 Webster]

From THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY ((C)1911 Released April 15 1993) [devils]:



  LICKSPITTLE, n.  A useful functionary, not infrequently found editing
  a newspaper.  In his character of editor he is closely allied to the
  blackmailer by the tie of occasional identity; for in truth the
  lickspittle is only the blackmailer under another aspect, although the
  latter is frequently found as an independent species.  Lickspittling
  is more detestable than blackmailing, precisely as the business of a
  confidence man is more detestable than that of a highway robber; and
  the parallel maintains itself throughout, for whereas few robbers will
  cheat, every sneak will plunder if he dare.