bootlick (verb)

1. During the Renaissance, many courtiers bootlicked the monarchs in order to secure their positions and gain favor.

2. In the cartoon, the sycophantic character constantly bootlicks the boss in an attempt to climb the corporate ladder.

3. In the novel, the protagonist's colleague bootlicks their supervisor to get promoted to a higher position.

4. Why did the bootlick cross the road? To flatter the chicken on the other side and gain its favor!