pique

views updated May 09 2018

pique / pēk/ • n. a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, esp. to one's pride: he left in a fit of pique.• v. (piques / pēks/ , piqued / pēkt/ , piqu·ing / ˈpēking/ ) 1. [tr.] stimulate (interest or curiosity): you have piqued my curiosity about the man.2. (be piqued) feel irritated or resentful: she was piqued by his curtness.3. (pique oneself) archaic pride oneself.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

piqué

views updated May 11 2018

pi·qué / pēˈkā; pi-/ • n. stiff fabric, typically cotton, woven in a strongly ribbed or raised pattern.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

pique

views updated May 23 2018

pique †quarrel or animosity between persons; offence taken. XVI. — F., f. piquer prick, sting:- Rom. *piccāre PICK2.
Hence vb. XVII.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

piqué

views updated May 18 2018

piqué cotton fabric with a raised pattern. XIX. — F. piqué, sb. use (‘quilted work, quilting’) of pp. of piquer prick, pierce, back-stitch; see prec.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD