Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Pry

Pry , noun

[Corrupted from prize a lever. See Prize, n.]

A lever; also, leverage. [Local, United States & English]
Collocations (1)
Pry pole , the pole which forms the prop of a hoisting gin, and stands facing the windlass.

Pry , transitive verb

To raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize. [Local, United States & English]

Pry , intransitive verb

[Old English prien. Compare 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. — Shakespeare

Pry , noun

Curious inspection; impertinent peeping.