From his reserved speech, shy manner, and uncommunicative patience under criticism, from the silent abruptness of his decisions, his formidable trenchancy in self-defence when openly attacked, and his aloofness from any attempts to curry favour with the Press, it may be inferred that his character was a dignified one; but he was dignified precisely in the way which makes such actions as taking a subordinate political position particularly easy.
"Lady-John-Russell"
MacCarthy, Desmond
trenchancy from James produced a silent disapproval.
"Love and Lucy"
Maurice Henry Hewlett
But to say this with crude trenchancy, teaches us nothing.
"Rousseau Volumes I. and II."
John Morley