Pique /(?)/

Pique

n.
  1. The jigger. See Jigger. (Zool.)

Pique

n.
  1. A feeling of hurt, vexation, or resentment, awakened by a social slight or injury; irritation of the feelings, as through wounded pride; stinging vexation.
    Men take up piques and displeasures.
    Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique.
  2. Keenly felt desire; a longing.
    Though it have the pique, and long, 'Tis still for something in the wrong.
    — Hudibras.
  3. In piquet, the right of the elder hand to count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary counts one. (Card Playing)
Syn. -- Displeasure; irritation; grudge; spite.

Pique, Spite, Grudge. Pique denotes a quick and often transient sense of resentment for some supposed neglect or injury, but it is not marked by malevolence. Spite is a stronger term, denoting settled ill will or malice, with a desire to injure, as the result of extreme irritation. Grudge goes still further, denoting cherished and secret enmity, with an unforgiving spirit. A pique is usually of recent date; a grudge is that which has long subsisted; spite implies a disposition to cross or vex others.

Pique

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Piqued; p. pr. & vb. n. Piquing

  1. To wound the pride of; to sting; to nettle; to irritate; to fret; to offend; to excite to anger.
    Pique her, and soothe in turn.
  2. To excite to action by causing resentment or jealousy; to stimulate; to prick; as, to pique ambition, or curiosity.
  3. To pride or value; -- used reflexively.
    Men . . . pique themselves upon their skill.

Pique

v. i.
  1. To cause annoyance or irritation.