Emily Dickinson Lexicon

POIGN-AN-CY, n. [poin'ancy. See Poignant.]

1. Sharpness; the power of stimulating the organs of taste. – Swift.
2. Point; sharpness; keenness; the power of irritation; asperity; as, the poignancy of wit or sarcasm.
3. Severity; acuteness.