Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Rankle
Ran′kle
(răṉ′k’l)
, Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Rankled
(-k’ld)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Rankling
(-klĭng)
.] [From ]
Rank
, Adj.
1.
To become, or be, rank; to grow rank or strong; to be inflamed; to fester; – used literally and figuratively.
A malady that burns and
rankles
inward. Rowe.
This would have left a
rankling
wound in the hearts of the people. Burke.
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.Ran′kle
(răṉ′k’l)
, Verb.
T.
To cause to fester; to make sore; to inflame.
[R.]
Beau. & Fl.
Webster 1828 Edition
Rankle
RANK'LE
,Verb.
I.
1.
To grow more rank or strong; to be inflamed; to fester; as a rankling wound.A malady that burns and rankles inward.
2.
To become more violent; to be inflamed; to rage; as rankling malice; rankling envy. Jealousy rankles in the breast.