Pry — Defs

01 n. A lever; also, leverage.

Phrases & compounds

Pry pole — the pole which forms the prop of a hoisting gin, and stands facing the windlass.

02 v. t. To raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize.

imp. & p. p. Pried; p. pr. & vb. n. Prying

1.
To raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize.[Local, U. S. & Eng.]

03 v. i. To peep narrowly; to gaze; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something by a scrutinizing curiosity; -- often implying reproach.

1.
To peep narrowly; to gaze; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something by a scrutinizing curiosity; -- often implying reproach.
“Watch thou and wake when others be asleep, To pry into the secrets of the state.” — Shak.

04 n. Curious inspection; impertinent peeping.