n. & v.
n. 1 a usu. horizontal bar, branch, etc. used by a bird to rest on. 2 a usu. high or precarious place for a person or thing to rest on. 3 a measure of length, esp. for land, of 5« yards (see also ROD, POLE).
v.intr. & tr. (usu. foll. by on) settle or rest, or cause to settle or rest on or as if on a perch etc. (the bird perched on a branch; a town perched on a hill). knock a person off his perch 1 vanquish, destroy. 2 make less confident or secure. square perch 30¬ sq. yards.
[ ME f. OF perche, percher f. L pertica pole ]