to strike, thrust, or hit violently with the foot; as, a horse kicks a groom; a man kicks a dog.-to thrust out the foot or feet with violence; to strike out with the foot or feet, as in defense or in bad temper; esp., to strike backward, as a horse does, or to have a habit of doing so. hence, figuratively: to show ugly resistance, opposition, or hostility; to spurn.-to recoil; -- said of a musket, cannon, etc.-a blow with the foot or feet; a striking or thrust with the foot.-the projection on the tang of the blade of a pocket knife, which prevents the edge of the blade from striking the spring. see illust. of pocketknife.-a projection in a mold, to form a depression in the surface of the brick.-the recoil of a musket or other firearm, when discharged.