v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Henpecked p. pr. & vb. n. Henpecking. ] To bother persistently with trivial complaints; to subject to petty authority; -- said of a woman who thus treats her male companion, especially of wives who thus dominate their husbands. Commonly used in the past participle (often adjectively); as, henpecked for years, he finally left her. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]