prick

noun

1. a very small puncture or, formerly, dot, made by a sharp point
2. Archaic any of various pointed objects, as a thorn, goad, etc.
3. pricking
4. a sharp pain caused by or as if by being pricked
5. 1. Slang, Vulgar the penis
   2. Slang a person, esp. a man, regarded as contemptible, obnoxious, etc.: mildly vulgar

Etymology: ME prike < OE prica, point, dot, akin to Du prik, MHG pfrecken

transitive verb

1. to make (a tiny hole) in (something) with a sharp point
2. to cause or feel sharp pain in remorse pricked his conscience
3. to mark or trace by dots, points, or punctures
4. to pierce (a horse's foot) to the quick in shoeing, causing lameness
5. to cause to point or stick up: often with up
6. Archaic to spur or urge on; goad; incite

intransitive verb

1. to cause or feel a slight, sharp pain
2. to have a prickly or stinging sensation; tingle
3. to point or stick up: said esp. of ears
4. Archaic to spur a horse on; ride fast

adjective

carried stiffly erect: said of a dog's ears