Beck

/bɛk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A gesture made with the hand or a movement of the head that signals someone to come closer or follow.
She gave a beck to her friend to join her at the table.
A stream or small river.
They strolled along the beck, enjoying the gentle sound of water flowing.
verb
To signal someone to come or follow by a gesture.
He becked her over to share the exciting news.

Etymology

Old Norse 'bekkr' meaning 'stream', and from Middle English 'becken' meaning to beckon.

Common Phrases and Expressions

beck and call
To be at someone's command or service.

Related Words

beckon
To signal someone with a gesture to come nearer or follow.
beckoning
Making a gesture to signal someone to approach.

Slang Meanings

To call someone casually.
I'll just beck my friend over to join us.
To indicate someone should come.
He becked me to come over after the show.