pinprick

noun

1. any minute puncture made by a pin or the like.
2. a negligible irritation or annoyance.

noun

1. a slight puncture made by or as if by a pin
2. a small irritation

verb

3. (tr) to puncture with or as if with a pin

n.also pin-prick, 1851, from pin (n.) + prick (n.). Used figuratively of petty irritations from 1885. Earlier pin’s prick (1825).