'Pique' definitions:

Definition of 'pique'

From: WordNet
noun
Tightly woven fabric with raised cords
noun
A sudden outburst of anger; "his temper sparked like damp firewood" [syn: pique, temper, irritation]
verb
Cause to feel resentment or indignation; "Her tactless remark offended me" [syn: pique, offend]

Definition of 'Pique'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Pique her, and soothe in turn. --Byron. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To excite to action by causing resentment or jealousy; to stimulate; to prick; as, to pique ambition, or curiosity. --Prior. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To pride or value; -- used reflexively. [1913 Webster]
  • Men . . . pique themselves upon their skill. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: To offend; displease; irritate; provoke; fret; nettle; sting; goad; stimulate. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pique'

From: GCIDE
  • Pique \Pique\, n. (Zool.) The jigger. See Jigger. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pique'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Men take up piques and displeasures. --Dr. H. More. [1913 Webster]
  • Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique. --De Quincey. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Keenly felt desire; a longing. [1913 Webster]
  • Though it have the pique, and long, 'Tis still for something in the wrong. --Hudibras. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Card Playing) In piquet, the right of the elder hand to count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary counts one. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pique'

From: GCIDE
  • Pique \Pique\, v. i. To cause annoyance or irritation. "Every verse hath something in it that piques." --Tatler. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Pique'