perpend

¹ American  

[pur-puhnd] / ˈpɜr pənd /

noun

1. a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall.

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perpend ² American  

[per-pend] / pərˈpɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to consider.

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verb (used without object)

1. to ponder; deliberate.

perpend ¹ British  

/ ˈpɜːpənd /

noun

1. Also called: parpend.   perpend stone.  a large stone that passes through a wall from one side to the other

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perpend ² British  

/ pəˈpɛnd /

verb

1. an archaic word for ponder

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Etymology

Origin of perpend¹

1225–75; variant of parpen, parpend, Middle English perpein, parpein ( late Middle English perpend- in compound) a stone dressed on more than one side < Old French perpein, parpain, perhaps representing Medieval Latin parpanus < ?

Origin of perpend²

1520–30; < Latin perpendere to weigh carefully, ponder, equivalent to per- per- + pendere to weigh

Example Sentences

Read it, thou self-satisfied Mammon, and perpend; for it is both a prophecy and a doom!

From Alton Locke, Tailor and Poet An Autobiography by Hughes, Thomas

Write this, Bunch, and then we will perpend, as law and Judgment guides us, whether we will save or condemne.

From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2 by Bullen, A. H. (Arthur Henry)

If he meets with only conscripts and militia he may penetrate as far as Harrisburg, and then let Europe perpend!

From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital by Jones, John Beauchamp

"We shall perpend the point of receiving her," replied the King, gravely.

From The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by Ainsworth, William Harrison

I do perpend that to earn these pieces of which you speak one must perform some worthy business.

From Robin Hood by Wyeth, N. C. (Newell Convers)

Related Words

• acknowledge
• contemplate
• examine
• favor
• grant
• look at
• recognize
• regard
• scrutinize
• see
• study