bo-peep

plural bo-peeps · alternative bo peep · alternative bopeep

1. countableuncountableThe act of looking out suddenly, as from behind a screen, so as to startle someone (as by children in play), or of looking out and drawing suddenly back, as if frightened.

   1881, Geneva Gazette - Jul 8, 1881, page 2, "Official Paper Of The Village" They have not employed spies, nor been voluntary or involuntary witnesses of misdeeds or played "bopeep" through key-holes or from step-ladders through transom windows, upon the privacy of their political adversaries.

   1 more example

   That such a king should play bo-peep, / And go the fools among.

   c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]

   Synonyms: peek-a-boo, peep bo

2. countableBritish Virgin IslandsAny whistling frog.
3. CockneyslanguncountableSleep.

   Well, come on, boys. You've got to push off now. I'm going to read me linen and then get some Bo-Peep.

   1976, Ron Barnes, Coronation Cups and Jam Jars, page 164

present singular third person bo-peeps · participle present bo-peeping · participle past bo-peeped · past bo-peeped · alternative bo peep · alternative bopeep

1. intransitiveTo play the game of bo-peep; to peek out suddenly.