Defn: A kind of gimlet for making vents in casks; — called also piercer.
PIERCER
Pier"cer, n.
1. One who, or that which, pierces or perforates; specifically: (a) An instrument used in forming eyelets; a stiletto. (b) A piercel.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) The ovipositor, or sting, of an insect. (b) An insect provided with an ovipositor.
PIERCING
Pier"cing, a.
Defn: Forcibly entering, or adapted to enter, at or by a point; perforating; penetrating; keen; — used also figuratively; as, a piercing instrument, or thrust. "Piercing eloquence." Shak. — Pier"cing*ly, adv. — Pier"cing*ness, n.
PIERIAN Pi*e"ri*an, a. Etym: [L. Pierius, from Mount Pierus, in Thessaly, sacred to the Muses.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to Pierides or Muses.
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring. Pope.
PIERID
Pi"er*id, n. Etym: [See Peirides.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any butterfly of the genus Pieris and related genera. See
Cabbage butterfly, under Cabbage.