Ran"kle (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rankled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Rankling (?).] [From Rank, a.]
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.
© Webster 1913.
Ran"kle (?), v. t.
To cause to fester; to make sore; to inflame.
[R.]
Beau. & Fl.
© Webster 1913.