Sting1, n.
n. [A-S. sting, stincg, styng, stynge, Icel. stingr, stunga, Sw. & Dan. sting.]
Sense 1. A sharp-pointed weapon or instrument with which certain animals are armed by nature for their defense, and which they thrust from the hinder part of the body, to pierce any animal that annoys or provokes them. In most instances, this instrument is a tube, through which a poisonous matter is discharged, which inflames the flesh, and, in some instances, proves fatal to life.
Sense 2. The thrust of a sting into the flesh; the act of stinging. “The . . . serpent’s mortal sting.” Shak.
Sense 3. Any thing that gives acute pain; as, the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach.
The sting of death is sin. 1 Cor. xv. 56.
Sense 4. The point of an epigram, or other pointed, sarcastic saying.