R ˈe(ə)r, ˈər (+V ˈər.) sometimes ˈa(ə)r; - R ˈeə (+ suffixal vowel ˈer, + vowel in a following word ˈer or ˈeə), ə̄ (+ suffixal vowel ˈər. also ˈə̄r, + vowel in a following word ˈər. or ˈə̄ also ˈə̄r) intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English erren, from Old French errer, from Latin errare; akin to Old English ierre, yrre wandering, angry, iersian to be angry, Old High German irri gone astray, angry, irrōn to go astray, Old Saxon irri angry, Gothic airzeis led astray, deceived, Old Norse rās race — more at race
1. archaic
a. : to turn aside from the proper path : stray
all we as sheep erred — John Wyclif
b. : to go about aimlessly : wander , roam
2. : to deviate from a standard (as of wisdom, morality, accuracy) : be or do wrong: as
a. : to make a mistake
erred on the side of caution in judging the supplies inadequate
b. : to violate an accepted standard of conduct : sin , offend
if you err and do not observe all these commandments which the Lord has spoken — Num 15:22 (Revised Standard Version)
c. : to be inaccurate
a gauge that must not err by more than 0.01 mm.