pricking

Nautical, an English term referring to the propulsion of a punt in shallow water by means of a long pole thrust against the bottom. In America it is called punting, or poling.

The act of piercing with a sharp point; a stinging or tingling sensation.

Specifically, in farriery: The act of driving a nail into a horse’s foot with the result of causing lameness.

The making of an incision at the root of a horse’s tail to cause him to carry it higher. See nick, transitive verb

Musical notation.

The prick or mark left by the foot of an animal, as a hare or deer; also, the act of tracking an animal by such marks.

The condition of becoming sour, as wine.

plural The slips of evergreens with which the churches are decorated from Christmas eve to the eve of Candlemas day. Halliwell.

The act of piercing or puncturing with a sharp point.