Pique \Pique\, v. i.
   To cause annoyance or irritation. "Every verse hath something
   in it that piques." --Tatler.
   
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Piqu'e \Pi`qu['e]"\, n. [F., p. p. of piquer to prick.]
   A cotton fabric, figured in the loom, -- used as a dress
   goods for women and children, and for vestings, etc.
   
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Pique \Pique\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Piqued}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Piquing}.] [F. piquer. See {Pike}.]
   1. To wound the pride of; to sting; to nettle; to irritate;
      to fret; to offend; to excite to anger.
      
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            Pique her, and soothe in turn.        --Byron.
      
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   2. To excite to action by causing resentment or jealousy; to
      stimulate; to prick; as, to pique ambition, or curiosity.
      --Prior.
      
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   3. To pride or value; -- used reflexively.
      
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            Men . . . pique themselves upon their skill.
                                                  --Locke.
      
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   Syn: To offend; displease; irritate; provoke; fret; nettle;
        sting; goad; stimulate.
        
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Pique \Pique\, n. (Zool.)
   The jigger. See {Jigger}.
   
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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.
      
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            Men take up piques and displeasures.  --Dr. H. More.
      
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            Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique. --De
                                                  Quincey.
      
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   2. Keenly felt desire; a longing.
      
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            Though it have the pique, and long,
            'Tis still for something in the wrong. --Hudibras.
      
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   3. (Card Playing) In piquet, the right of the elder hand to
      count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary
      counts one.
      
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   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.
          
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