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An ancient court of record in England, formerly incident to every fair and market, of which the steward of him who owned or had the toll was the judge. Blackstone.

sonry, whether insulated or supporting one side of an arch or lintel, as of a bridge; the piece of wall between two openings.

Same as Wharfage. Smart.

To thrust into, penetrate, or transfix, with a pointed instrument. "I pierce . . . her tender side." Dryden.

That may be pierced.

Penetrated; entered; perforated.

A kind of gimlet for making vents in casks; -- called also piercer.

One who, or that which, pierces or perforates; specifically:

enter, at or by a point; perforating; penetrating; keen; -- used also figuratively; as, a piercing instrument, or thrust. "Piercing eloquence." Shak. -- Pier"cing*ly, adv. -- Pier"cing*ness, n.

Of or pertaining to Pierides or Muses. Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring. Pope.

Any butterfly of the genus Pieris and related genera. See Cabbage butterfly, under Cabbage.

The Muses.

Blocks of stone or concrete heaped loosely in the water to make a foundation (as for a sea wall), a mole, etc.

The magpie. [Prov.Eng.] Jay piet (Zoöl.), the European jay. [Prov.Eng.] -- Sea piet (Zoöl.), the oyster catcher. [Prov.Eng.]

A representation of the dead Christ, attended by the Virgin Mary or by holy women and angels. Mollett.

The principle or practice of the Pietists.

lass of religious reformers in Germany in the 17th century who sought to revive declining piety in the Protestant churches; -- often applied as a term of reproach to those who make a display of religious feeling. Also used adjectively.

Of or pertaining to the Pietists; hence, in contempt, affectedly or demonstratively religious. Addison.

fter stones used in building; thus, a Florentine mosaic is a familiar instance of work in pietra dura, though the ground may be soft marble.

his character; loving obedience to the will of God, and earnest devotion to his service. Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man. Rambler.