from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Peep \Peep\ (p[=e]p), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Peeped} (p[=e]pt); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Peeping}.] [Of imitative origin; cf. OE. pipen,
F. piper, p['e]pier, L. pipire, pipare, pipiare, D. & G.
piepen. Senses 2 and 3 perhaps come from a transfer of sense
from the sound which chickens make upon the first breaking of
the shell to the act accompanying it; or perhaps from the
influence of peek, or peak. Cf. {Pipe}.]
1. To cry, as a chicken hatching or newly hatched; to chirp;
to cheep.
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There was none that moved the wing, or opened the
mouth, or peeped. --Is. x. 14.
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2. To begin to appear; to look forth from concealment; to
make the first appearance; as, the sun peeped over the
eastern hills.
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When flowers first peeped, and trees did blossoms
bear. --Dryden.
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3. To look cautiously or slyly; to peer, as through a
crevice; to pry.
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Peep through the blanket of the dark. --Shak.
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From her cabined loophole peep. --Milton.
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{Peep sight}, an adjustable piece, pierced with a small hole
to peep through in aiming, attached to a rifle or other
firearm near the breech.
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