pique1 (pēk), v., piqued, piqu·ing, n.

1. to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, esp. by some wound to pride: She was greatly piqued when they refused her invitation.

2. to wound (the pride, vanity, etc.).

3. to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.): Her curiosity was piqued by the gossip.

4. to arouse an emotion or provoke to action: to pique someone to answer a challenge.

5. Archaic. to pride (oneself) (usually fol. by on or upon).

6. to arouse pique in someone: an action that piqued when it was meant to soothe.

7. a feeling of irritation or resentment, as from a wound to pride or self-esteem: to be in a pique.

8. Obs. a state of irritated feeling between persons.

—Syn. 1. offend, sting, nettle, vex, irritate, chafe. 2. affront. 3. stimulate, stir, prick, incite, goad.

—Ant. 1. please. 2. compliment.

pique2 (pēk), n. Piquet.

pic2.

pi·que3 (pi kā', pē-), n., adj.

piqué.

pi·qué (pi kā', pā-; Fr. p" kā'), n., pl. -qués (-kāz'; Fr. -kā') for 2, adj.

1. a fabric of cotton, spun rayon, or silk, woven lengthwise with raised cords. 2. Ballet. a step in which the dancer steps onto the tip of the toe without bending the knee. 3. ornamentation by means of punched or stippled patterns, sometimes inlaid with metal, ivory, tortoise shell, etc.

4. (of glove seams and gloves) stitched through lapping edges. 5. decorated with inlay: a piqué box.

[1830–40; < F, ptp. of piquer to quilt, prick; see PIQUE1] (Random House Webster's Unabridged)