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peer1 definition

peer (pir)

noun

  1. a person or thing of the same rank, value, quality, ability, etc.; equal; specif., an equal before the law
  2. a noble; esp., a British duke, marquess, earl, viscount, or baron

Etymology: ME peir < OFr per < L par, an equal: see par

transitive verb

Archaic to match or equal
peer Idioms

peer of the realm

any of the British peers entitled to a seat in the House of Lords
peer2 definition

peer (pir)

intransitive verb

  1. to look closely and searchingly, or squint, as in trying to see more clearly
  2. to come out or show slightly; come partly into sight
  3. Old Poet. to appear

Etymology: ? aphetic < appear

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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