Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PIERCE, v.i.

1. To enter, as a pointed instrument.
2. To penetrate; to force a way into or through any thing. The shot pierced through the side of the ship. Her tears will pierce into a marble heart. – Shak.
3. To enter; to dive or penetrate, as into a secret. She would not pierce further into his meaning than himself should declare. – Sidney.
4. To affect deeply.