leer
1[ leer ]
/ lɪər /
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verb (used without object)
to look with a sideways or oblique glance, especially suggestive of lascivious interest or sly and malicious intention: I can't concentrate with you leering at me.
noun
a lascivious or sly look.
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Origin of leer
11520–30; perhaps v. use of obsolete leer cheek (Middle English leor,Old English hlēor; cognate with Old Norse hlȳr (plural))
OTHER WORDS FROM leer
leer·ing·ly, adverbOther definitions for leer (2 of 2)
leer2
[ leer ]
/ lɪər /
adjective British Dialect.
having no burden or load.
faint for lack of food; hungry.
Origin of leer
2before 1050; Middle English lere,Old English gelǣr; cognate with German leer empty
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use leer in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for leer
leer
/ (lɪə) /
verb
(intr) to give an oblique, sneering, or suggestive look or grin
noun
such a look
Derived forms of leer
leering, adjective, nounleeringly, adverbWord Origin for leer
C16: perhaps verbal use of obsolete leer cheek, from Old English hlēor
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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