Peep (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Peeped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Peeping.] [Of
imitative origin; cf. OE. pipen, F. piper, pÈpier, L. pipire, pipare,
pipiare, 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.] 1. 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.
Is. x. 14.
2. To begin to appear; to look forth from concealment; to make the
first appearance.
When flowers first peeped, and trees did blossoms bear.
Dryden.
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