perpend
1 Americannoun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
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
Explanation
If, in a discussion, you want the other person to consider an observation or suggestion, or think about it thoroughly, you might tell them to perpend it. You’ll sound like a great philosopher! But they may not understand you. Perpend is a high-level word found mostly in scholarly writing from earlier times. It entered English in the 1500s from the Latin verb perpendere, meaning "weigh carefully," from per-, "thoroughly," and pendere, "weigh." But perpend has another, unrelated meaning as a noun used in the bricklaying trade, where it refers to the vertical layer of mortar joining the ends of two bricks or blocks. Note that the emphasis falls on the second syllable for the verb (per-PEND), but on the first syllable for the noun (PER-pind).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Lud—a mercy," quoth I, Thomas, "I will perpend, Master Conscience" and I set myself to eschew the evil deed, with all my might.
From Tom Cringle's Log by Michael Scott
Wherefore, most selected friend, perpend at thy leisure, and so God speed thee!
From The Letters of Charles Dickens Vol. 1, 1833-1856 by Georgina Hogarth
Now, consider for a while, and perpend, mes enfants.
From Stalky & Co. by Rudyard Kipling
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 John Beauchamp Jones
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 A. H. (Arthur Henry) Bullen
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