from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Peer \Peer\, n. [OE. per, OF. per, F. pair, fr. L. par equal.
Cf. {Apparel}, {Pair}, {Par}, n., {Umpire}.]
1. One of the same rank, quality, endowments, character,
etc.; an equal; a match; a mate.
[1913 Webster]
In song he never had his peer. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
Shall they consort only with their peers? --I.
Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
2. A comrade; a companion; a fellow; an associate.
[1913 Webster]
He all his peers in beauty did surpass. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
3. A nobleman; a member of one of the five degrees of the
British nobility, namely, duke, marquis, earl, viscount,
baron; as, a peer of the realm.
[1913 Webster]
A noble peer of mickle trust and power. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
{House of Peers}, {The Peers}, the British House of Lords.
See {Parliament}.
{Spiritual peers}, the bishops and archibishops, or lords
spiritual, who sit in the House of Lords.
[1913 Webster]