I. ˈtwinj verb
( twinged ; twing·ing ˈtwin-jiŋ ; or twinge·ing )
Etymology: Middle English twengen, from Old English twengan; akin to Old High German zwengen to pinch
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. dialect : pluck , tweak
2. : to affect with a sharp pain or pang
intransitive verb
: to feel a sudden sharp local pain
II. noun
Date: 1608
1. : a sudden sharp stab of pain
2. : a moral or emotional pang
a twinge of conscience
a twinge of sympathy