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pique

Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pique \Pique\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Piqued}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Piquing}.] [F. piquer. See {Pike}.]
   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.        --Byron.

   2. To excite to action by causing resentment or jealousy; to
      stimulate; to prick; as, to pique ambition, or curiosity.
      --Prior.

   3. To pride or value; -- used reflexively.

            Men . . . pique themselves upon their skill.
                                                  --Locke.

   Syn: To offend; displease; irritate; provoke; fret; nettle;
        sting; goad; stimulate.

Pique \Pique\, n. [F., fr. piquer. See {Pike}.]
   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.  --Dr. H. More.

            Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique. --De
                                                  Quincey.

   2. Keenly felt desire; a longing.

            Though it have the pique, and long, 'Tis still for
            something in the wrong.               --Hudibras.

   3. (Card Playing) In piquet, the right of the elder hand to
      count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary
      counts one.

   Syn: Displeasure; irritation; grudge; spite.

   Usage: {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 \Pique\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
   The jigger. See {Jigger}.

Pique \Pique\, v. i.
   To cause annoyance or irritation. ``Every ?erse hath
   something in it that piques.'' --Tatler.

Source : WordNet®

pique
     n 1: tightly woven fabric with raised cords
     2: a sudden outburst of anger; "his temper sparked like damp
        firewood" [syn: {temper}, {irritation}]

pique
     v : cause to feel resentment or indignation; "Her tactless
         remark offended me" [syn: {offend}]
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