I. ˈsimpə(r) intransitive verb
( simpered ; simpered ; simpering -p(ə)riŋ ; simpers )
dialect England : simmer
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian semper fine, smart, Danish dialect semper, simper affected, coy
intransitive verb
1. : to smile fatuously : smirk
a two-fisted writer … does look out of place simpering over a cup of tea — Jeann Beattie
2. dialect England : whimper
transitive verb
: to say with a simper
III. noun
( -s )
: an inane self-conscious smile : vacuous grin : smirk