Middle English Dictionary Entry
pīren v.
Entry Info
| Forms | pīren v. Also pire; ppl. pẹ̄rand. |
| Etymology | Cp. EFris. pīren. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To peer, look closely; gaze, look around.
Associated quotations
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)6.818 : Riht so doth he whan that he pireth [rime: tireth] And doteth on hire wommanhiede.
- (1449) Metham AC (Gar 141)879 : The knytys abydyn armyd bryght, Houyng on horsbak, perand aboute on euery syde.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)149 : The Pardoner & þe Miller & oþir lewd sotes..Pyrid fast & pourid hiȝe oppon the glase, Countirfeting gentilmen, þe armys for to blase, Diskyueryng fast the peyntour.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)552 : 'Go vp,' quod Iak, '& loke, & in the asshis pire [rime: feire] And I woll kepe the dorr.'
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)1412 : They herd all his compleynt, þat petouse was to here; Fawnus in-to the Chirch pryuelych gan pire.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)3.48 : Thane cometh þer..Anoþer proud partriche and precyth to þe nest, And preuylich pirith till þe dame passe..And houeth þe eyren þat þe hue laide, And with her corps keuereth hem til þat þey kenne.