n. & v.
n. 1 a a small thorn. b Bot. a thornlike process developed from the epidermis of a plant. 2 a hard-pointed spine of a hedgehog etc. 3 a prickling sensation.
v.tr. & intr. affect or be affected with a sensation as of pricking.
[ OE pricel PRICK: (v.) also dimin. of PRICK ]