whet

fe’l verb

1. To stimulate or make more keen. to whet one's appetite or one's courage
2. To hone or rub on with some substance, as a piece of stone, for the purpose of sharpening – see whetstone.
3. To preen.

ot noun

1. The act of whetting something.
2. That which whets or sharpens; especially, an appetizer.