licking

noun3

1. •
   The act by which something is licked.
2. •
   (informal) A great loss or defeat.

   • Our football team took a licking last night.
3. •
   (informal) A severe beating.

   • I have never minded a licking and have never asked for anything more than a fighting chance. But to have to give away five stone in weight and six inches in height was not my idea of a fair go. — 1933