from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rankle \Ran"kle\ (r[a^][ng]"k'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Rankled}
(-k'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Rankling} (-kl[i^]ng).] [From
{Rank}, a.]
1. To become, or be, rank; to grow rank or strong; to be
inflamed; to fester; -- used literally and figuratively.
[1913 Webster]
A malady that burns and rankles inward. --Rowe.
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This would have left a rankling wound in the hearts
of the people. --Burke.
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2. To produce a festering or inflamed effect; to cause a
sore; -- used literally and figuratively; as, a splinter
rankles in the flesh; the words rankled in his bosom.
[1913 Webster]