- Of imitative origin; cf. OE. pipen, F. piperpépier, L. pipirepiparepipiare, D. & G. piepen. Senses 2 and 3 perhaps come from a transfer of sense from the sound which chickens make upon the first breaking of the shell to the act accompanying it; or perhaps from the influence of peek, or peak. Cf. Pipe
- To cry, as a chicken hatching or newly hatched; to chirp; to cheep.There was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.
- To begin to appear; to look forth from concealment; to make the first appearance; as, the sun peeped over the eastern hills.When flowers first peeped, and trees did blossoms bear.
- To look cautiously or slyly; to peer, as through a crevice; to pry.Peep through the blanket of the dark.From her cabined loophole peep.
