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pry |
5 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pry \Pry\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pried}; p. pr & vb n. {Prying}.] To raise or move or attempt to raise or move with a pry or lever; to prize. [Local, U. S. & Eng.] From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pry \Pry\, v. i. [OE. prien. Cf {Peer} to peep.] 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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pry \Pry\, n. Curious inspection; impertinent peeping. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pry \Pry\, n. [Corrupted fr prize a lever. See {Prize}, n.] 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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: pry n : a heavy iron lever with one end forged into a wedge [syn: {crowbar}, {wrecking bar}, {pry bar}] v 1: to move or force, esp. in an effort to get something open "The burglar jimmied the lock", "Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail" [syn: {prise}, {prize}, {lever}, {jimmy}] 2: be nosey; "Don't pry into my personal matters!" 3: search or inquire in a meddlesome way "This guy is always nosing around the office" [syn: {nose}, {poke}] 4: make an uninvited or presumptuous inquiry; "They pried the information out of him" [syn: {prise}]
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