Dictionary entry

Trenchant

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Trench″ant (?), a. [OF. trenchant, F. tranchant, p. pr. See Trench, v. t.] 1. Fitted to trench or cut; gutting; sharp. “ Trenchant was the blade.” Chaucer.

2. Fig.: Keen; biting; severe; as, trenchant wit.