peep sight

American  

noun

1. a plate containing a small hole through which a gunner peeps in sighting.

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peep sight British  

noun

1. an adjustable rear gun sight with a narrow aperture through which the target and the front sight are aligned when aiming

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Etymology

Origin of peep sight

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The Peep Show It�s rare that you find a peep sight with any additional features.

From Time Magazine Archive

The rifle, which has a peep sight and range and windage adjustments, is so accurate that a reasonably good shot can hit a thumbnail-sized target at 30 feet.

From Time Magazine Archive

Another improvement in the new British rifle is its aperture peep sight, replacing the v-sight long peculiar to the British Army.

From Time Magazine Archive

The following illustration shows the normal sight when the peep sight is used.

From The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training by Ellis, Olin Oglesby

With the peep sight, the line of sight is determined by the center of the peep and the top of the front sight.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)