I. ˈprik noun
Etymology: Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick
Date: before 12th century
1. : a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2.
a. : a pointed instrument or weapon
b. : a sharp projecting organ or part
3. : an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: as
a. : a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow
b. : a slight sharply localized discomfort
the prick of a needle
4. usually vulgar : penis
5. usually vulgar : a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority
II. verb
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to pierce slightly with a sharp point
2. : to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse
doubt began to prick him — Philip Hale
3. : to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs : goad
4. : to mark, distinguish, or note by means of a small mark
5. : to trace or outline with punctures
6. : to remove (a young seedling) from the seedbed to another suitable for further growth — usually used with out
7. : to cause to be or stand erect
a dog prick ing its ears
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to prick something or cause a pricking sensation
b. : to feel discomfort as if from being pricked
2.
a. : to urge a horse with the spur
b. : to ride fast
3. : thrust
4. : to become directed upward : point
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- prick up one's ears