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

"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

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

From Twelfth Night; or What You Will by Shakespeare, William

Wherefore, most selected friend, perpend at thy leisure, and so God speed thee!

From The Letters of Charles Dickens Vol. 1, 1833-1856 by Hogarth, Georgina

If he meets with only conscripts and militia he may penetrate as far as Harrisburg, and then let Europe perpend!

From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital by Jones, John Beauchamp

Pray perpend, pronounce, and don't be offended with either.

From Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 3 With His Letters and Journals by Moore, Thomas

Related Words

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