(a) A sharp, localized pain; also, emotional pain; pl. pangs; ~ of sorwe; (b) the loop of thread left by a single movement of a threaded needle up and down through a piece of fabric; also, the movement of a sewing implement, such as a needle or an awl, through the material to be sewn; also, a piece of fabric [quot. a1450]; (c) surg. the movement of a threaded needle through both edges of an open wound; also, the portion of thread left by each stitch; (d) ~ wort [OE stic-wyrt], a medicinal plant, the greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea); also, an herb of the Valerian family (prob. Valeriana officinalis) [1st quot.]; (e) ~ werk, ?needlework, embroidery; [more likely] ?error for ~ wort.