I.v. a., to prick or puncture severely, to sting.
I. Prop. (rare but class.): “collum dolone,” Phaedr. 3, 6, 3: “aculeis urticae,” Col. 8, 14, 8: “acu,” Cels. 6, 18, 9: “barbarus compunctus notis Threïciis,” branded, Cic. Off. 2, 7, 25: “(colores) qui compungunt aciem lacrumareque cogunt,” dazzle, Lucr. 2, 420; cf. “of heat and cold: sensus corporis,” id. 2, 432 (for Sen. Ep. 88, 39, v. compingo).—
II. Trop.
A. In gen.: “(dialectici) ipsi se compungunt suis acuminibus,” prick themselves with their own stings, Cic. de Or. 2, 38, 158.—
B. In late Lat. compungi, to be goaded by the stings of conscience, to feel remorse, Lact. 4, 18, 14; Sulp. Sev. Dial. 3, 13; cf. compunctio.
