peep-o'-day boys

1 definition found

peep-o'-day boys - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Peep \Peep\ (p[=e]p), n.
     1. The cry of a young chicken; a chirp.
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     2. First outlook or appearance.
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              Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn. --Gray.
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     3. A sly look; a look as through a crevice, or from a place
        of concealment.
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              To take t' other peep at the stars.   --Swift.
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     4. (Zool.)
        (a) Any small sandpiper, as the least sandpiper (Trigna  minutilla
            ).
        (b) The European meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis).
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     Peep show, a small show, or object exhibited, which is
        viewed through an orifice or a magnifying glass.
  
     Peep-o'-day boys, the Irish insurgents of 1784; -- so
        called from their visiting the house of the loyal Irish at
        day break in search of arms. [Cant]
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