bo-peep

American  

[boh-peep] / boʊˈpip /

noun

1. peekaboo.

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bo-peep British  

/ ˌbəʊˈpiːp /

noun

1. a game for very young children, in which one hides (esp hiding one's face in one's hands) and reappears suddenly

2. informal a quick look (esp in the phrase have a bo-peep )

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Etymology

Origin of bo-peep

1520–30; bo (variant of boo ¹ ) + peep ¹

Example Sentences

We conclude in the words of Shakespeare,— They then for sudden joy did weep, And I for sorrow sung, That such a king should play bo-peep, And go the fools among.

From Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales A Sequel to the Nursery Rhymes of England by Halliwell-Phillipps, J. O. (James Orchard)

Few, for example, fully appreciate the beauties of the Madeleine in Paris, who have not quietly watched its changing effect during the passage of the lesser light in her bo-peep proceedings with the clouds.

From Sporting Scenes amongst the Kaffirs of South Africa by Drayson, A. W. (Alfred Wilks)

The sofa pillows appeared to have been playing "bo-peep" with each other, for three had hid themselves under one sofa, and the fourth I found in the after-cabin, jammed between my portmanteau and the bulk-head.

From A Yacht Voyage to Norway, Denmark, and Sweden 2nd edition by Ross, William A.

Before he had decided one way or the other, the squirrel, still scolding and playing bo-peep, scampered off his bough, and up the trunk of the maple.

From Camp and Trail A Story of the Maine Woods by Hornibrook, Isabel

A moment afterwards the boy began to peep at Rollo from behind the pillar on the back side, and then again on the front side, thus playing a sort of bo-peep.

From Rollo in Rome by Abbott, Jacob