GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Peep (pēp), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Peeped (pēpt); p. pr. & vb. n. Peeping.] [Of imitative origin; cf. OE. pipen, F. piper, pépier, 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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2.       
   Peep (pēp), n.
   1. The cry of a young chicken; a chirp.
   
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   2. First outlook or appearance.
   
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   Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn. Gray.
   
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   3. A sly look; a look as through a crevice, or from a place of concealment.
   
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   To take t' other peep at the stars. Swift.
   
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   4. (Zool.) (a) Any small sandpiper, as the least sandpiper (Trigna minutilla). (b) The European meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis).
   
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   Peep show, a small show, or object exhibited, which is viewed through an orifice or a magnifying glass. -- Peep-o'-day boys, the Irish insurgents of 1784; -- so called from their visiting the house of the loyal Irish at day break in search of arms. [Cant]
   
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