peer

¹

[ peer ]

verb (used without object)

1. to look narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.
2. to peep out or appear slightly.
3. to come into view.

peer

²

[ peer ]

noun

1. a person of the same legal status:

   a jury of one's peers.

2. a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.
3. something of equal worth or quality:

   a skyscraper without peer.

4. a nobleman.
5. a member of any of the five degrees of the nobility in Great Britain and Ireland (duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron).
6. Computers. peer-to-peer ( def 2 ).
   1. a network connected to one or more other networks in a way that routes traffic independently between them in a direct exchange of data.
   2. a computer or device that is connected to others in a network, either directly or through a server.
7. Archaic. a companion.

verb (used without object)

1. Computers. (of a network) to be connected with one or more other networks in a way that routes traffic independently between them in a direct exchange of data (usually followed by with ).

peer

¹

/ pɪə /

noun

1. a member of a nobility; nobleman
2. a person who holds any of the five grades of the British nobility: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron See also life peer
3. 1. a person who is an equal in social standing, rank, age, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      peer pressure

4. archaic.
   a companion; mate

peer

²

/ pɪə /

verb

1. to look intently with or as if with difficulty

   to peer into the distance

2. to appear partially or dimly

   the sun peered through the fog

Word History and Origins

Origin of peer¹

First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps a variant of appear

Origin of peer²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English per, from Old French per, from Latin pār “equal, an equal, partner”

Word History and Origins

Origin of peer¹

C14 (in sense 3): from Old French per, from Latin pār equal

Origin of peer²

C16: from Flemish pieren to look with narrowed eyes

Synonym Study

See peep ¹.

Related Words

• gape
• gawk
• give the eagle eye
• glare
• peep
• snoop
• squint
• stare