Pique1, n.
(pēk), n. [Fr. pique, from piquer. See supra.] 1. A point on which issue is taken; the feeling of annoyance or resentment awakened by a social slight or injury; slight irritation of the feelings; wounded pride; stinging vexation. In the original, it appears as if some share in the success was owing to female pique. Observer. 2. Keenly felt desire. Though he have the pique, and long, ’Tis still for something in the wrong. Hudibras. 3. Point; nicety; punctilio. Add long prescription of established laws, And pique of honor to maintain a cause. Dryden. Syn.—Displeasure; irritation; grudge; spite. PIQUE, SPITE, GRUDGE. Pique denotes a quick sense of resentment for some supposed neglect or injury, but the feeling is not usually permanent, or marked by malevolence. Spite is a stronger term, denoting settled ill-will or malice, with a desire to injure, as the result of extreme irritation. Grudge goes still further, denoting cherished and secret enmity, with an unforgiving spirit. A pique is usually of recent date; a grudge is that which has long subsisted; spite more usually implies a disposition to cross or vex others in trifling matters. Out of a personal pique to those in service, he stands as a looker-on when the government is attacked. Addison. There is some grudge between ’em; ’tis not meet They be alone. Shak. Done all, to spite The great Creator; but their spite still serves His glory to augment. Milton.