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pique

(pēk)

A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.

tr.v. piqued, piqu·ing, piques

1. To cause to feel resentment or indignation.

2. To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.

3. To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.

[French, a prick, irritation, from Old French, from piquer, to prick, from Vulgar Latin *piccāre, ultimately of imitative origin.]

pi·qué

(pĭ-kā, pē-)

A tightly woven fabric with various raised patterns, produced especially by a double warp.

[French, past participle of piquer, to quilt, from Old French, to backstitch, prick; see PIQUE.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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