peck
noun
°One quarter of a bushel; a dry measure of eight quarts.
"They picked a peck of wheat."
°A great deal; a large or excessive quantity.
"She figured most children probably ate a peck of dirt before they turned ten."
verb
°To strike or pierce with the beak or bill (of a bird) or similar instrument.
"The birds pecked at their food."
°To do something in small, intermittent pieces.
"He has been pecking away at that project for some time now."