Emily Dickinson Lexicon

peep (-ed), v. [Origin obscure.] (webplay: eye, flowers, look).

1. Look through a small opening; watch carefully; observe secretly.
2. Arise; awake; begin to appear; emerge from concealment.

peer (-ed, -ing, -s), v. [Origin uncertain.] (webplay: realm, roads).

1. Gaze; look; stare.
2. Inspect; scrutinize; look at attentively; watch carefully; observe stealthily.
3. Match; rival; equal; parallel.

peerless, adj. [ME < OFr per.]

Unequaled; matchless; supreme; crowning; ultimate; paramount; superior to all others.

peevish, adj. [Origin unknown.] (webplay: childish).

1. Petulant; whining; impatient; fretful; restless.
2. Distracted; inattentive; preoccupied; fidgety.

peg, n. [Poss. of LG origin.]

Nail; hook; hanger; small wooden dowel attached to a wall which serves as a place to hang objects.

pelf, n. [ME < OFr pelfre, to spoil, pilfer.]

Wealth; riches; gain; [fig.] undeserved praise; unmerited recognition.

pellet (-s), n. [Fr. pelote < L. pila, ball.]

1. Crumb; morsel; bit; small piece.
2. Sphere; ball.

pelt (-eth), v. [Origin uncertain peloter or contracted from pellet.]

Shower; cover; bestow upon abundantly.

penalty, n. [L. pœnālitās.]

Consequence; price; punishment; fine.

pence, n. [Collective plural of penny < OE pening.] (webplay: sum).

1. Penny (pennies); small sum; coin(s) of little monetary value.
2. [Fig.] alms; charity; relief; aid.