The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word KEEN
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
K
E
E
N
More clues leading to the result KEEN
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Piercing/cry" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case piercing/cry = keen.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does KEEN mean?
KEEN verb- To make cold, to sharpen.
- Often with a prepositional phrase, or with to and an infinitive: showing a quick and ardent responsiveness or willingness; eager, enthusiastic, interested.
- Fierce, intense, vehement.
- Having a fine edge or point; sharp.
- Acute of mind, having or expressing mental acuteness; penetrating, sharp.
- Acrimonious, bitter, piercing.
- Of cold, wind, etc.: cutting, penetrating, piercing, sharp.
- Of prices, extremely low as to be competitive.
- Marvelous.
- Brave, courageous; audacious, bold.
- A prolonged wail for a deceased person.
- To utter a keen.
- To utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cry.
- To mourn.