peeping

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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