prick

/ˈprik/

Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick

noun

  1. a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument

  2. a pointed instrument or weapon

  3. a sharp projecting organ or part

verb

  1. to pierce slightly with a sharp point

  2. to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse

  3. to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs : goad

noun phrase

  1. a feeling of guilt

He felt a prick of conscience.