Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PORE, v.i. [Qu. Gr. εφορω, εφοραω, to inspect. In Sp. porrear is to dwell long on, to persist importunately; porro, dull; W. para, to continue, to persevere.]

To look with steady continued attention or application. To pore on, is to read or examine with steady perseverance, to dwell on; and the word seems to be limited in its application to the slow patient reading or examination of bowls, or something written or engraved. Painfully to pore upon a book. – Shak. With sharpened sight pale antiquaries pore. – Pope.