(pirs) v. pierced, pierc·ing v.t.
1. To pass into or through; penetrate, in the manner of a pointed object, weapon, etc.; puncture; stab.
2. To make an opening or hole in, into, or through: Many windows pierced the old walls.
3. To make or cut (an opening or hole) in or through something.
4. To force a way into or through: to pierce the wilderness.
5. To affect sharply or deeply, as with emotion, pain, etc.
6. To penetrate as if stabbing: Lightning pierced the night sky.
7. To penetrate as if seeing; perceive or understand: to pierce a mystery.
—v.i.
8. To enter; penetrate. [<OF percer, percier,? <pertuisier <L pertusus, pp. of pertundere perforate <per- through + tundere beat]
—pierc′er noun Synonyms: bore, drill, enter, penetrate, perforate, puncture, stab, transfix.

(pirs), Franklin,
1804–69, president of the United States 1853–57.