The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Peer \Peer\ (p[=e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Peered; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Peering.] [OF. parir, pareir equiv. to F. para[^i]tre to
   appear, L. parere. Cf. Appear.]
   1. To come in sight; to appear. [Poetic]
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            So honor peereth in the meanest habit. --Shak.
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            See how his gorget peers above his gown! --B.
                                                  Jonson.
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   2. [Perh. a different word; cf. OE. piren, LG. piren. Cf.
      Pry to peep.] To look narrowly or curiously or intently;
      to peep; as, the peering day. --Milton.
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            Peering in maps for ports, and piers, and roads.
                                                  --Shak.
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            As if through a dungeon grate he peered.
                                                  --Coleridge.
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