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).
Etymology: OE gad, rel. to Lombard gaida arrowhead f. Gmc