Lap pace (4)
I believe the answer is:
lick
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'lap' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'pace' is the second definition.
(thesaurus)
(Other definitions for lick that I've seen before include "Defeat (informal) - speed (informal)" , "little paint" , "Eat with tongue" , "Taste" , "(At a) fast pace - beat conclusively" .)