Poign"ant (?), a. [F., p. pr. of poindre to sting, fr. L. pungere to prick, sting. See Pungent.]
1.
Pricking; piercing; sharp; pungent.
"His
poignant spear."
Spenser. "
Poynaunt sauce."
Chaucer.
2.
Fig.: Pointed; keen; satirical.
His wit . . . became more lively and poignant.
Sir W. Scott.
© Webster 1913.