[peak] n [perh. alter. of pike] (1530) 1: a pointed or projecting part of a garment; esp: the visor of a cap or hat
2: promontory
3: a sharp or pointed end
4. a (1): the top of a hill or mountain ending in a point (2): a prominent mountain usu. having a well-defined summit b: something resembling a mountain peak
5. a: the upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail b: the narrow part of a ship's bow or stern or the part of the hold in it
6. a: the highest level or greatest degree b: a high point in a course of development esp. as represented on a graph 7: a point formed by the hair on the forehead syn see summit
[2]peak vi (1577): to reach a maximum (as of capacity, value, or activity)--often used with out ~ vt: to cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum [3]peak adj (1903): being at or reaching the maximum [4]peak vi [origin unknown] (1605) 1: to grow thin or sickly
2: to dwindle away [5]peak vt [fr. apeak held vertically] (1626) 1: to set (as a gaff) nearer the perpendicular
2: to hold (oars) with blades well raised