Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FIERCE, a. [Fr. fier; It. fiero, feroce; Sp. fiero, feroz; from L. ferus, ferox, the primary sense of which is wild, running, rushing.]

1. Vehement; violent; furious; rushing; impetuous; as, a fierce wind. Watts.
2. Savage; ravenous; easily enraged; as, a fierce lion.
3. Vehement in rage; eager of mischief; as, a fierce tyrant; a monster fierce for blood.
4. Violent; outrageous; not to be restrained. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce. Gen. xlii.
5. Passionate; angry; furious.
6. Wild; staring; ferocious; as, a fierce countenance.
7. Very eager; ardent; vehement; as, a man fierce for his party.