Definition of peck

The origin of the word "peck" is unclear, with several theories about its derivation. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first recorded use of the word appeared in the late 14th century, where it was spelled as "pekyng." Some linguists believe that the word might have originated from the Old English word "pyccan," which meant "to drink deeply" or "to gulp down." Others suggest that it could have derived from the Old Norse word "baka," which referred to a basket or container used for carrying grains or other heavy items. In the context of measuring volume, the word "peck" was commonly used to describe a unit of measurement for grains, seeds, and dried fruit in the Middle Ages. It was defined as equal to around eight dry gallons, or approximately 32 quarts. The modern spelling of the word "peck" is believed to have evolved from the Middle English word "peken," which was an alternate spelling for "pekyng." Today, the word is still used as a measurement in some countries, such as the United States, where it is defined as equivalent to eight dry gallons or 32 quarts, although its usage is relatively limited in modern times.