pricking

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of prick

comparative more pricking · superlative most pricking

1. That pricks; pricky

   pricking pains

plural prickings

1. countableuncountableThe act of piercing or puncturing with a sharp point.

   The prickings of thorns

2. countablefigurativelyuncountableA sensation that pricks, or causes sharp emotional pain.

   the prickings of conscience

3. countableuncountableThe driving of a nail into a horse's foot so as to produce lameness.

   THE pricking a horse has proved to be as useless an operation as it is simple, seldom or never having the desired effect; consequently the practice should be abolished

   1841, Richard Mason, The Gentleman's New Pocket Farrier

4. archaiccountableuncountablebusinessA nicking.

   No better material can be used than seggar or underclay prickings

   1906, George Mitcheson Bailes, Modern Mining Practice

5. archaiccountableuncountablehobbiesThe tracking of a hare by its footprints.
6. countableobsoleteuncountableDressing oneself for show; prinking.