pry

Definitions

1. 1.A lever; also, leverage. [Local, U. S. & Eng.] Pry pole, the pole which forms the prop of a hoisting gin, and stands facing the windlass.
2. 2.To raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize. [Local, U. S. & Eng.]
3. 3.To peep narrowly; to gaze; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something by a scrutinizing curiosity; -- often implying reproach. " To pry upon the stars." Chaucer. Watch thou and wake when others be asleep, To pry into the secrets of the state. Shak.
4. 4.Curious inspection; impertinent peeping.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "pry" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is pry.

• What is a lever; also, leverage. [Local, U. S. & Eng.] Pry pole, the pole which forms the prop of a hoisting gin, and stands facing the windlass called?
• What is to raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize. [Local, U. S. & Eng.] called?
• What is curious inspection; impertinent peeping called?