from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pierce \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.
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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.
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3. Fig.: To penetrate; to affect deeply; as, to pierce a
mystery. "Pierced with grief." --Pope.
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Can no prayers pierce thee? --Shak.
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