n. & v.
n. 1 a spiked stick used for urging cattle forward. 2 anything that torments, incites, or stimulates.
v.tr. 1 urge on with a goad. 2 (usu. foll. by on, into) irritate; stimulate (goaded him into retaliating; goaded me on to win).
[ OE gad, rel. to Lombard gaida arrowhead f. Gmc ]