Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Pry
Pry (prī), n. [Corrupted fr. prize a lever. See Prize, n.] A lever; also, leverage. [Local, U. S. & Eng.]
Pry pole, the pole which forms the prop of a hoisting gin, and stands facing the windlass.
Pry, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pried; p. pr. & vb. n. Prying.] To raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize. [Local, U. S. & Eng.]
Pry, v. i. [OE. prien. Cf. Peer to peep.] To peep narrowly; to gaze; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something by a scrutinizing curiosity; — often implying reproach. " To pry upon the stars." Chaucer.
Watch thou and wake when others be asleep, To pry into the secrets of the state. Shak.
Pry, n. Curious inspection; impertinent peeping.