pierce

Where does the word "pierce" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin pertusiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Pierce’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: pertusiare meant “to bore through.” From 'pertundere', to punch through. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as percier. Spelled 'perce' in early English. It reached English by 1200s as pierce. 'piercing' for jewellery dates from the 1900s. Today, pierce means to go into or through with a sharp point.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient pertusiare "to bore through", from 'pertundere', to punch through.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval percier "to pierce", spelled 'perce' in early English.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s pierce "to penetrate", 'piercing' for jewellery dates from the 1900s.