Ran″kle (răṉ″k'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Rankled (–k'ld); p. pr. & vb. n.Rankling (–klĭng).] [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.