pricking
noun/ˈpɹɪkɪŋ/
1
The act of piercing or puncturing with a sharp point.
- The prickings of thorns
2
Figuratively A sensation that pricks, or causes sharp emotional pain.
- the prickings of conscience
3
The 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 abolished1841, Richard Mason, The Gentleman's New Pocket Farrier:
- No better material can be used than seggar or underclay prickings1906, George Mitcheson Bailes, Modern Mining Practice:
5
The act of tracing a hare by its footmarks.
6
Obsolete Dressing oneself for show; prinking.
- Derived terms
- pricking at the belt, pricking-up