pricking

1. (countable, uncountable)The act of piercing or puncturing with a sharp point.

   The prickings of thorns

   the act of puncturing with a small point

2. (countable, figuratively, uncountable)A sensation that pricks, or causes sharp emotional pain.

   the prickings of conscience

3. (countable, uncountable)The driving of a nail into a horse's foot so as to produce lameness.

4. (archaic, countable, uncountable)A nicking.

5. (archaic, countable, uncountable)The tracking of a hare by its footprints.

6. (countable, obsolete, uncountable)Dressing oneself for show; prinking.

regular