Pierce (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pierced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Piercing (?).] [OE. percen, F. percer, OF. percier, perchier, parchier; perh. fr. (assumed) LL. pertusiare for pertusare, fr. L. pertundere, pertusum, to beat, push, bore through; per through + tundere to beat: cf. OF. pertuisier to pierce, F. pertuis a hole. Cf. Contuse, Parch, Pertuse.]

1.

To thrust into, penetrate, or transfix, with a pointed instrument.

"I pierce . . . her tender side."

Dryden.

2.

To penetrate; to enter; to force a way into or through; to pass into or through; as, to pierce the enemy's line; a shot pierced the ship.

3.

Fig.: To penetrate; to affect deeply; as, to pierce a mystery.

"Pierced with grief."

Pope.

Can no prayers pierce thee? Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Pierce, v. i.

To enter; to penetrate; to make a way into or through something, as a pointed instrument does; -- used literally and figuratively.

And pierced to the skin, but bit no more. Spenser.

She would not pierce further into his meaning. Sir P. Sidney.

 

© Webster 1913.