This verb means to lick or lick off, particularly in the sense of cleaning or soothing wounds by licking. Luke 16:21 uses it in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus: dogs came and 'licked' Lazarus's sores. This detail intensifies the pathos—Lazarus was so destitute and helpless that only street dogs attended him, licking his open wounds. In ancient understanding, this could be seen as either soothing (dogs' saliva having some cleansing properties) or degrading (association with unclean animals). Either way, it emphasizes Lazarus's utter abandonment by human society.