\Peep\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Peeped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Peeping}.] [Of imitative origin; cf. OE. pipen, F. piper,
p['e]pier, 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.
3. To look cautiously or slyly; to peer, as through a
   crevice; to pry.
         eep through the blanket of the dark.  --Shak.
         From her cabined loophole peep.       --Milton.
{Peep sight}, an adjustable piece, pierced with a small hole
   to peep through in aiming, attached to a rifle or other
   firearm near the breech.

\Peep\, n.
1. The cry of a young chicken; a chirp.
2. First outlook or appearance.
         Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn. --Gray.
3. A sly look; a look as through a crevice, or from a place
   of concealment.
         To take t' other peep at the stars.   --Swift.
4. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) Any small sandpiper, as the least sandpiper ({Trigna
       minutilla}).
   (b) The European meadow pipit ({Anthus pratensis}).
{Peep show}, a small show, or object exhibited, which is
   viewed through an orifice or a magnifying glass.
{Peep-o'-day boys}, the Irish insurgents of 1784; -- so
   called from their visiting the house of the loyal Irish at
   day break in search of arms. [Cant]