[syn: pique, offend]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Piqu'e \Pi`qu['e]"\, n. [F., p. p. of piquer to prick.]
A cotton fabric, figured in the loom, -- used as a dress
goods for women and children, and for vestings, etc.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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Pique her, and soothe in turn. --Byron.
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2. To excite to action by causing resentment or jealousy; to
stimulate; to prick; as, to pique ambition, or curiosity.
--Prior.
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3. To pride or value; -- used reflexively.
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Men . . . pique themselves upon their skill.
--Locke.
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Syn: To offend; displease; irritate; provoke; fret; nettle;
sting; goad; stimulate.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Pique \Pique\, n. (Zool.)
The jigger. See Jigger.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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Men take up piques and displeasures. --Dr. H. More.
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Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique. --De
Quincey.
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2. Keenly felt desire; a longing.
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Though it have the pique, and long,
'Tis still for something in the wrong. --Hudibras.
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3. (Card Playing) In piquet, the right of the elder hand to
count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary
counts one.
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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.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Pique \Pique\, v. i.
To cause annoyance or irritation. "Every verse hath something
in it that piques." --Tatler.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
pique
n 1: tightly woven fabric with raised cords
2: a sudden outburst of anger; "his temper sparked like damp
firewood" [syn: pique, temper, irritation]
v 1: cause to feel resentment or indignation; "Her tactless
remark offended me" [syn: pique, offend]