peer Definition

peer¹
noun

1. A member of the nobility, such as, in Britain, a duke, marquess, earl, viscount or baron. Compare aristocrat, noble.
2. A member of the House of Lords, known as either a life peer or life peeress, a spiritual peer, ie a bishop or archbishop, or a temporal peer, ie all other members of the House of Lords. See also peer of the realm.
3a. Someone who is one's equal in age, rank, etc; a contemporary, companion or fellow;

Thesaurus: equal, counterpart, match, rival, companion, fellow, colleague.


Example: peer group

Etymology: 14c: from French per, from Latin par equal.

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peer²
verb, intr peered, peering

1. To look hard at it or them, especially through narrowed eyes, as if having difficulty in seeing.

Thesaurus: scrutinize, examine, inspect, scan, snoop, spy.
Form: peer at something (also)
Form: peer at someone
2. literary
To peep out or emerge briefly or partially.
Form: peer out (sometimes)

Etymology: 16c.