Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Poignant \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.

Source : WordNet®

poignant
     adj 1: arousing affect; "the homecoming of the released hostages
            was an affecting scene"; "poignant grief cannot endure
            forever"; "his gratitude was simple and touching"
            [syn: {affecting}, {touching}]
     2: keenly distressing to the mind or feelings; "poignant
        anxiety"