Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER'IL, n. [Fr.; It. periglio; Sp. peligro; Port. perigo; from L. periculum, from Gr. πειραω, to try, to attempt, that is, to strain; πειρα, an attempt, danger, hazard; allied to πειρω, to pass, to thrust in or transfix; πειρα, is also the point or edge of a sword, coinciding with W. ber and pêr, a spit, a spear or pike. Hence L. experior, Eng. experience. The Greek πειραω is expressed in Dutch by vaaren, to go, to sail, to fare; gevaar, danger, peril; G. gefahr, from fahren. These words are all of one family. See Pirate. The primary sense of peril is an advance, a pushing or going forward; the radical sense of boldness. The Welsh has perig, perilous, from pêr, and peri, to bid or command, the root of L. impero, from the same root.]

1. Danger; risk; hazard; jeopardy; particular exposure of person or property to injury, loss or destruction from any cause whatever. In perils of waters; in perils of robbers. – 2 Cor. xi.
2. Danger denounced; particular exposure. You do it at your peril, or at the peril of your father's displeasure.