~ 1
■ verb
1》 look with difficulty or concentration.
2》 be just visible.
Origin
C16: perh. a var. of dialect pire or perh. partly from a shortening of appear .
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a member of the nobility in Britain or Ireland, comprising the ranks of duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.
2》 a person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person.
■ verb archaic make or become equal.
Phrases
without ~ unrivalled.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~ , from L. par 'equal'.