perpend

¹ American  

[pur-puhnd] / ˈpɜr pənd /

noun

1. a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall.

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perpend ² American  

[per-pend] / pərˈpɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to consider.

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verb (used without object)

1. to ponder; deliberate.

perpend ¹ British  

/ ˈpɜːpənd /

noun

1. Also called: parpend.   perpend stone.  a large stone that passes through a wall from one side to the other

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perpend ² British  

/ pəˈpɛnd /

verb

1. an archaic word for ponder

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Etymology

Origin of perpend¹

1225–75; variant of parpen, parpend, Middle English perpein, parpein ( late Middle English perpend- in compound) a stone dressed on more than one side < Old French perpein, parpain, perhaps representing Medieval Latin parpanus < ?

Origin of perpend²

1520–30; < Latin perpendere to weigh carefully, ponder, equivalent to per- per- + pendere to weigh

Example Sentences

Write this, Bunch, and then we will perpend, as law and Judgment guides us, whether we will save or condemne.

From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2 by Bullen, A. H. (Arthur Henry)

"We shall perpend the point of receiving her," replied the King, gravely.

From The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by Ainsworth, William Harrison

So I do, madonna; but to read his right wits is to read thus: therefore perpend, my princess, and give ear.

From Twelfth Night by Shakespeare, William

He wooes both high and low, both rich and poor, Both young and old, one with another, Ford; He loves the gallimaufry: Ford, perpend.

From The Merry Wives of Windsor The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [9 vols.] by Glover, John, librarian of Trinity College, Cambridge

"Lud—a mercy," quoth I, Thomas, "I will perpend, Master Conscience" and I set myself to eschew the evil deed, with all my might.

From Tom Cringle's Log by Scott, Michael

Related Words

• acknowledge
• contemplate
• examine
• favor
• grant
• look at
• recognize
• regard
• scrutinize
• see
• study