- Pique
- Pique Pique, n. [F., fr. piquer. See {Pike}.]
1. A feeling of hurt, vexation, or resentment, awakened by a
social slight or injury; irritation of the feelings, as
through wounded pride; stinging vexation.
[1913 Webster]
Men take up piques and displeasures. --Dr. H. More. [1913 Webster]
Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique. --De Quincey. [1913 Webster]
2. Keenly felt desire; a longing. [1913 Webster]
Though it have the pique, and long, 'Tis still for something in the wrong. --Hudibras. [1913 Webster]
3. (Card Playing) In piquet, the right of the elder hand to count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary counts one. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Displeasure; irritation; grudge; spite.
Usage: {Pique}, {Spite}, {Grudge}. Pique denotes a quick and often transient sense of resentment for some supposed neglect or injury, but it is not marked by malevolence. Spite is a stronger term, denoting settled ill will or malice, with a desire to injure, as the result of extreme irritation. Grudge goes still further, denoting cherished and secret enmity, with an unforgiving spirit. A pique is usually of recent date; a grudge is that which has long subsisted; spite implies a disposition to cross or vex others. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
