Pry

v. i. [Probably contracted from per-eye, to eye or look through.] To peep into that which is closed; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover that which is inaccessible; — often employed with an implied reproach.

Watch, thou, and wake, when others be asleep, To pry into the secrets of the state. Shak.

n. [See supra.] Narrow inspection; impertinent peeping.

n. [A corruption of prize, q. v.] A lever; — a contraction in America for prize.

[imp. & p. p. PRIED; p. pr. & vb. n. PRYING.] To raise, or attempt to raise, with a lever; to prize. [U. S.]