I.a sting.
I. Lit.
A. Of animals: “apis aculeum sine clamore ferre non possumus,” Cic. Tusc. 2, 22; so Plin. 11, 17, 17: “neparum,” Cic. Fin. 5, 15 al.—Also, the spur of fowls, Col. 8, 2, 8: “locustarum,” Vulg. Apoc. 9, 10.—
C. Of an arrow or dart, the point, Liv. 38, 21, 11.—
II. Fig., a sting.
A. Of a sharp, cutting remark: “pungunt quasi aculeis interrogatiunculis,” Cic. Fin. 4, 3; so id. Ac. 2, 31; id. Planc. 24 al.; Liv. 23, 42, 5.—
B. Of harsh treatment: “aculeos severitatis judicum evellere,” Cic. Clu. 55 fin.; so id. Cael. 12, 29.—