I. ˈglim(p)s verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English glimsen; akin to Middle High German glimsen to glimmer, glim spark
intransitive verb
1. archaic : glimmer
2. : to take a brief look : give a passing glance
he glimpsed at the letter, then threw it impatiently aside
transitive verb
1. archaic : to furnish a brief look at
2. : to get a brief look at : see momentarily or incompletely
glimpsed the man as he sped through the forest
from the fragments of sculpture that remain we can glimpse the strength and beauty of the figures that adorned the temples — W.K.Ferguson
• glimps·er -sə(r) noun -s
II. noun
( -s )
1. archaic : glimmer
2. : a brief fleeting look : a momentary or incomplete view
an occasional glimpse of her husband's face behind the morning newspaper — Grace Nagle
had interesting glimpses of them as they went in and out of the various cabins — Joseph Conrad