n.
a white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young.
▸the milk of cows (or occasionally goats or ewes) as a drink for humans.
▸the white juice of certain plants, such as the coconut.
▸a creamy liquid with a particular use:
cleansing milk.
v.
- draw milk from (a cow or other animal).
▸extract sap, venom, or other substances from.
- exploit or defraud by taking small amounts of money over a period of time.
- get all possible advantage from (a situation).
Phrase
- in milk
(of an animal) producing milk. - milk and honey
prosperity and abundance.
[with biblical allusion to the prosperity of the Promised Land (Exod. 3:8).]
Etymology
OE milc, milcian, of Gmc origin.