Category:Pique

Pi`qué", n. Etym: [f., p.p. of piquer to prick.]

Defn: a cotton fabric, figured in the loom, -- used as a dress goods For women and children, and for vestings, etc.

Pique Pique, n. (zoöl.)

Defn: the jigger. See jigger.

Pique Pique, n. Etym: [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)

Defn: 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. 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, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Piqued; p. pr. & vb. n. Piquing.] Etym: [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, v. i.

Defn: to cause annoyance or irritation. "every piques." Tatler.