'Rankling' definitions:
Definition of 'Rankling'
From: GCIDE
- 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. [1913 Webster]
- This would have left a rankling wound in the hearts of the people. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
- 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]