prick

I. noun Etymology: Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick Date: before 12th century 1. a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument 2. a. a pointed instrument or weapon b. a sharp projecting organ or part 3. an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: as a. a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow b. a slight sharply localized discomfort <

the prick of a needle

> 4. usually vulgar penis 5. usually vulgar a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority II. verb Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. to pierce slightly with a sharp point 2. to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse <

doubt began to prick him — Philip Hale

> 3. to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs ; goad 4. to mark, distinguish, or note by means of a small mark 5. to trace or outline with punctures 6. to remove (a young seedling) from the seedbed to another suitable for further growth — usually used with out 7. to cause to be or stand erect <

a dog pricking its ears

> intransitive verb 1. a. to prick something or cause a pricking sensation b. to feel discomfort as if from being pricked 2. a. to urge a horse with the spur b. to ride fast 3. thrust 4. to become directed upward ; point