from
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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