a. [ OF. trenchant, F. tranchant, p. pr. See Trench, v. t. ] 1. Fitted to trench or cut; gutting; sharp. “ Trenchant was the blade.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Fig.: Keen; biting; severe; as, trenchant wit. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a trenchant, or sharp, manner; sharply; severely. [ 1913 Webster ]