Goad

Goad - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

(Heb. malmad, only in Judg. 3: 31), an instrument used by ploughmen for guiding their oxen. Shamgar slew six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. "The goad is a formidable weapon. It is sometimes ten feet long, and has a sharp point. We could now see that the feat of Shamgar was not so very wonderful as some have been accustomed to think."

In 1 Sam. 13:21, a different Hebrew word is used, dorban, meaning something pointed. The expression (Acts 9:5, omitted in the R.V.), "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks", i.e., against the goad, was proverbial for unavailing resistance to superior power.

Goad - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

GOAD,n. A pointed instrument used to stimulate a beast to move faster.

GOAD, v.t. To prick; to drive with a goad.

1. To incite; to stimulate; to instigate; to urge forward, or to rouse by any thing pungent, severe, irritating or inflaming. He was goaded by sarcastic remarks or by abuse; goaded by desire or other passion.