What is "vellicate"

Vellicate \Vel"li*cate\, v. i. To move spasmodically; to twitch; as, a nerve vellicates.

Vellicate \Vel"li*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vellicated; p. pr. & vb. n. Vellicating.] [L. vellicatus, p. p. of vellicare to twitch, fr. vellere to pluck, pull.] To twitch; to cause to twitch convulsively.

Convulsions, arising from something vellicating a nerve in its extremity, are not very dangerous.
--Arbuthnot.

vb. 1 To touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements. 2 to irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear. 3 To pinch. 4 To cause to twitch.

1. v. touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements [syn: tickle, titillate]

2. irritate as if by a nip, pinch, or tear; "smooth surfaces can vellicate the teeth"; "the pain is as if sharp points pinch your back" [syn: pinch]