PIERCE

pierce. Pierce, v. to enter, bore, broach, force, affect

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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. 1. To thrust into, penetrate, or transfix, with a pointed instrument. “I pierce . . . her tender side.” Dryden.
2. 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. 3. Fig.: To penetrate; to affect deeply; as, to pierce a mystery. “Pierced with grief.” Pope.
Can no prayers pierce thee? Shak.