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. [ 1913 Webster ] A malady that burns and rankles inward. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ] This would have left a rankling wound in the hearts of the people. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 