prick

prick [prik]

n.

[ME prike < OE prica, point, dot, akin to Du prik, MHG pfrecken]

1. a very small puncture or, formerly, dot, made by a sharp point

2. Archaic any of various pointed objects, as a thorn, goad, etc.

3. PRICKING

4. a sharp pain caused by or as if by being pricked

5.

a) [Vulgar Slang] the penis

b) Slang a person, esp. a man, regarded as contemptible, obnoxious, etc.: mildly vulgar

vt.

1. to make (a tiny hole) in (something) with a sharp point

2. to cause or feel sharp pain in [remorse pricked his conscience]

3. to mark or trace by dots, points, or punctures

4. to pierce (a horse's foot) to the quick in shoeing, causing lameness

5. to cause to point or stick up: often with up

6. Archaic to spur or urge on; goad; incite

vi.

1. to cause or feel a slight, sharp pain

2. to have a prickly or stinging sensation; tingle

3. to point or stick up: said esp. of ears

4. Archaic to spur a horse on; ride fast

adj.

carried stiffly erect: said of a dog's ears

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prick out or prick off

to transplant (seedlings) as from seed pans to shallow boxes

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prick up one's ears

1. to raise the ears with the points upward: said of an animal

2. to listen closely