prick(prik) n.[as prica, a dot] 1. a very smallpuncture or dot made by a sharp point. 2.[archaic], a pointed object, as a thorn. 3. a pricking. 4. a sharp pain caused as by being pricked. v.t. 1. to pierce slightly with a sharp object. 2. to make (a hole) with a sharp point. 3. to pain sharply or sting: as, pricked by remorse. 4. to mark by dots or points. 5.[archaic], to spur or urge on; goad. v.i. 1. to give or feel a slight piercing pain. 2. to have a prickly sensation; tingle. 3. [archaic], to spur a horse on. --prick up, to rise erect or stick up. --prick up one's (or its) ears, 1.to raise the ears with the points upward. 2. to listen closely.
prick'er, n. - prick'ing, n.
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