Nettle

(nĕt'tl), n. [A-S. netele, D. netel, Dan. nelde, nälde, O. H. Ger. nezilā, nezzilā, diminutive of nazza, M. H. Ger. nezele, nezzеле, nezzel, N. H. Ger. ness el, Sw. nässla, Icel. nötr.] (Bot.) A plant of the genus Urtica, covered with minute sharp hairs containing a poison that produces a very painful sensation. U. gracilis is common in the Northern United States, and U. purpurascens in the Southern. The common European species, U. urens and U. dioica, are also found in the Eastern States.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. NETTLED; p. pr. & vb. n. NETTLING.] To fret or sting; to irritate or vex; to cause to experience sensations of displeasure or uneasiness not amounting to wrath or violent anger. The princes were nettled at the scandal of this affront. L'Estrange.