Emily Dickinson Lexicon

POIGN-ANT, a. [poin'ant; Fr. poignant, participle of poindre, from L. pungere, pungo, to prick.]

1. Sharp; stimulating the organs of taste; as, poignant sauce. – Dryden.
2. Pointed; keen; bitter; irritating; satirical; as, poignant wit.
3. Severe; piercing; very painful or acute; as, poignant pain or grief. – Norris. South.