GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Peep , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Peeped ; 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 , 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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