peer 1
/pear/ , n.
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 sky-scraper 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. Archaic. a companion.
[ 1175-1225; ME per per par equal ]
peer 2
— peeringly , adv.
/pear/ , v.i.
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.
[ 1585-95; perh. aph. var. of APPEAR ]
Syn. 1. See peep 1 .