peery
UK: ˈpɪəri | US: ˈpɪri
adj. 1. Inquisitive or suspicious; inclined to pry or peer closely.
adj. 2. (Scottish dialect) Sharp-eyed; observant.
peery = peer<look closely> + y<adjective suffix>
- peer (from Middle English piren, meaning "to look narrowly or intently")
- y (a common English suffix forming adjectives, indicating "characterized by or inclined to")
Etymology Origin:
The word peery emerged in the 16th century, derived from the verb peer (to look keenly or curiously) combined with the adjectival suffix -y. Its Scottish usage emphasizes sharp observation, while the broader English sense conveys suspicion or nosiness. The logic ties directly to the act of "peering" — someone who peers excessively becomes "peery."
The peery old woman watched her neighbors from behind the curtains.
His peery nature made him an excellent detective.
She gave him a peery glance, unsure if he was telling the truth.
The shopkeeper’s peery eyes missed no detail.
In Scottish tales, the peery shepherd always spotted wolves before anyone else.