||Pi`qué" (?), 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.
Pique (?), n. (Zoöl.)
The jigger. See Jigger.
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.
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 (?).] [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, v. i. To cause annoyance or
irritation. "Every &?;erse hath something in it that
piques." Tatler.
