Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Poignant

Poignant , adjective

[French, present participle of poindre to sting, from Latin pungere to prick, sting. See Pungent.]

1.
Pricking; piercing; sharp; pungent.
His poignant spear. — Spenser
Poynaunt sauce. — Chaucer
2.
Figuratively: Pointed; keen; satirical.
His wit... became more lively and poignant. — Sir W. Scott