From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Peer \Peer\ (p[=e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Peered; p. pr. & vb.
n. Peering.] [OF. parir, pareir equiv. to F. para[^i]tre to
appear, L. parere. Cf. Appear.]
1. To come in sight; to appear. [Poetic]
[1913 Webster]
So honor peereth in the meanest habit. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
See how his gorget peers above his gown! --B.
Jonson.
[1913 Webster]
2. [Perh. a different word; cf. OE. piren, LG. piren. Cf.
Pry to peep.] To look narrowly or curiously or intently;
to peep; as, the peering day. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Peering in maps for ports, and piers, and roads.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
As if through a dungeon grate he peered.
--Coleridge.
[1913 Webster]