Main Entry: tren·chant

Pronunciation: \-chənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English trenchaunt, from Anglo-French, present participle of trencher

Date: 14th century

1 : keen, sharp
2 : vigorously effective and articulate <a trenchant analysis>; also : caustic <trenchant remarks>
3 a : sharply perceptive : penetrating <a trenchant view of current conditions> b : clear-cut, distinct <the trenchant divisions between right and wrong — Edith Wharton>

— tren·chant·ly adverb