/wince/

/wince/

Verb.

Pronunciation: wɪns. 

Etymology: from Middle English wincen, from Old French guencir (= to turn aside).

Preterite tense: winced. Preterite participle: winced.

Present participle: wincing.

It is dated from the end of 1200.

Intransitively: 1. Obsolete acceptation: to kick as a horse does when restive.

2. To draw back involuntarily in consequence of a pain, a sudden affection, etc., or in order to avoid a contact; to make an involuntary and slight movement backward.

Synonyms of the verb wince: to shrink, start back, flinch, recoil.

Translation: reculer, in French; recular, in Spanish; rinculare, in Italian.

"That is just Lord Dublin's notion, also," went on Mr. Delville, persisting on continuing a subject under which several of his hearers winced.

Clara Cameron… Lights and shadows… 1856

-) With the preposition at + a noun, by which the cause is designated:

“Latimer, I owe my child’s life probably to you. How shall I repay the debt?” cried Mr. Cavendish, attempting, as he spoke, to clasp Herbert’s hand. He winced at the touch.

New Peterson magazine 1846

“[…] Where does it hurt the most?” she continued, pressing her fingers upon the swollen place.

The boy winced at the touch.

Sartain's Union Magazine… 1847

Brunton winced a little at this question, but answered, with assumed carelessness.

Dudley Costello… The millionaire… 1858