peer¹ (pîr)
intr.v., peered, peer·ing, peers.

1. To look intently, searchingly, or with difficulty. See synonyms at gaze.
2. To be partially visible; show: The moon peered from behind dark clouds.

[Middle English piren (probably from Frisian piren) and peren (short for aperen, to appear; see appear).]

peer² (pîr)
n.

1. A person who has equal standing with another or others, as in rank, class, or age: children who are easily influenced by their peers.
2. 1. A nobleman.
   2. A man who holds a peerage by descent or appointment.
3. Archaic. A companion; a fellow: "To stray away into these forests drear,/Alone, without a peer" (John Keats).

[Middle English, from Old French per, equal, peer, from Latin pār.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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