I. ˈpir noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French per, from per, adjective, equal, from Latin par
Date: 13th century
1. : one that is of equal standing with another : equal ; especially : one belonging to the same societal group especially based on age, grade, or status
2. archaic : companion
3.
a. : a member of one of the five ranks (as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, or baron) of the British peerage
b. : noble 1
• peer adjective
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
archaic : rival , match
III. intransitive verb
Etymology: perhaps by shortening & alteration from appear
Date: 1580
1. : to look narrowly or curiously ; especially : to look searchingly at something difficult to discern
2. : to come slightly into view : emerge partly