Rankling

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Rankle \Ran"kle\ (r[a^][ng]"k'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Rankled}
     (-k'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Rankling} (-kl[i^]ng).] [From
     {Rank}, a.]
     1. To become, or be, rank; to grow rank or strong; to be
        inflamed; to fester; -- used literally and figuratively.
        [1913 Webster]


  
              A malady that burns and rankles inward. --Rowe.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              This would have left a rankling wound in the hearts
              of the people.                        --Burke.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To produce a festering or inflamed effect; to cause a
        sore; -- used literally and figuratively; as, a splinter
        rankles in the flesh; the words rankled in his bosom.
        [1913 Webster]