Pique — Defs

01 n. The jigger. See Jigger.

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

02 n. A feeling of hurt, vexation, or resentment, awakened by a social slight or injury; irritation of the feelings, as through wounded pride; st…

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.
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.

03 v. t. To wound the pride of; to sting; to nettle; to irritate; to fret; to offend; to excite to anger.

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.” — Byron.
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.” — Locke.

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

04 v. i. To cause annoyance or irritation.

1.
To cause annoyance or irritation.