v. & n.
—v.intr.
1 (usu. foll. by at, in, out, into) look through a narrow opening; look furtively.
2 (usu. foll. by out) a (of daylight, a flower beginning to bloom, etc.) come slowly into view; emerge. b (of a quality etc.) show itself unconsciously.
—n.
1 a furtive or peering glance.
2 the first appearance (at peep of day).
Phrases and idioms:
peep-bo = BO-PEEP. peep-hole a small hole that may be looked through. peeping Tom a furtive voyeur. peep-show a small exhibition of pictures etc. viewed through a lens or hole set into a box etc. peep-sight the aperture backsight of some rifles. peep-toe (or -toed) (of a shoe) leaving the toes partly bare.
Etymology: ME: cf. PEEK, PEER(1)
2.
v. & n.
—v.intr. make a shrill feeble sound as of young birds, mice, etc.; squeak; chirp.
—n. such a sound.
Etymology: imit.: cf. CHEEP
Useful english dictionary. 2012.