Emily Dickinson Lexicon

pierce (-s), v. [OFr percer.] (webplay: body, column, heart, keenness, passions, shot, sword).

1. Stab; run through; lacerate; penetrate.
2. [Fig.] pang; hurt; agonize; torment; afflict; inflict pain (on); penetrate with acute mental or emotional pain.
3. [Fig.] impact; influence; leave a mark on.