PRYv.i.
[a contracted word, the origin of which is not obvious.]
To peep narrowly; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something with scrutinizing curiosity, whether impertinently or not; as, to pry into the mysteries of nature, or into the secrets of state.
Nor need we with a prying eye survey
The distant skies to find the milky way.
PRYn.
Narrow inspection; impertinent peeping.
PRYv.t.
To raise or attempt to raise with a lever. This is the common popular pronunciation of prize, in America. The lever used is also called a pry.