v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. pierce slightly; make a small hole in.
2 tr. (foll. by off, out) mark (esp. a pattern) with small holes or dots.
3 tr. trouble mentally (my conscience is pricking me).
4 intr. feel a pricking sensation.
5 intr. (foll. by at, into, etc.) make a thrust as if to prick.
6 tr. (foll. by in, off, out) plant (seedlings etc.) in small holes pricked in the earth.
7 tr. Brit. archaic mark off (a name in a list, esp. to select a sheriff) by pricking.
8 tr. archaic spur or urge on (a horse etc.).
--n.
1. the act or an instance of pricking.
2 a small hole or mark made by pricking.
3 a pain caused as by pricking.
4 a mental pain (felt the pricks of conscience).
5 coarse sl. a the penis. b derog. (as a term of contempt) a person.
Usage:
Usually considered a taboo use.
6 archaic a goad for oxen.
Phrases and idioms:
kick against the pricks persist in futile resistance. prick up one's ears
1. (of a dog etc.) make the ears erect when on the alert.
2 (of a person) become suddenly attentive.
Derivatives:
pricker n.
Etymology: OE prician (v.), pricca (n.)