Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Peer \Peer\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Peered}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Peering}.] [OF. parir, pareir equiv. to F. para[^i]tre to
   appear, L. parere. Cf. {Appear}.]
   1. To come in sight; to appear. [Poetic]

            So honor peereth in the meanest habit. --Shak.

            See how his gorget peers above his gown! --B.
                                                  Jonson.

   2. [Perh. a different word; cf. OE. piren, LG. piren. Cf.
      {Pry} to peep.] To look narrowly or curiously or intently;
      to peep; as, the peering day. --Milton.

            Peering in maps for ports, and piers, and roads.
                                                  --Shak.

            As if through a dungeon grate he peered.
                                                  --Coleridge.