\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.

\Ran"kle\, v. t.
To cause to fester; to make sore; to inflame. [R.] --Beau. &
Fl.