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per contra
per curiam
per diem
per mill
per procurationem
per se
per stirpes
per-unit tax
peracid
peradventure
perambulate
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perch (1)

perch [ purch ]


noun  (plural perch·es)
Definition:
 
1. place for bird to sit: a place for a bird to land or rest, e.g. a branch or a pole in a cage

2. resting place: any temporary resting place for a person or thing

3. advantageous position: a place or position that is secure, advantageous, or prominent
She now runs the organization from her new perch as director.

4. solid measure for stone: a unit of measure for the volume of stone, equal to about 0.7 cu. m (24 cu. ft)

5. unit of length: a unit of length equal to 5.03 m (51/2 yd)

6. unit of area: a unit of area equal to 25.3 m2 (301/4 sq yd)

7. textiles inspection frame: a frame that woven fabric is laid on to be inspected after weaving

8. peg to hang things on: a pole, bar, or peg on which to hang things



verb  (past and past participle perched, present participle perch·ing, 3rd person present singular perch·es)
Definition:
 
1. intransitive verb sit precariously somewhere: to sit or rest in a high or precarious position
She perched on the edge of the desk.

2. transitive verb put something in high place: to place something or somebody in a high or precarious position
I looked up at the the old fort perched on the cliffs.
The child was perched on a high stool.

3. intransitive verb sit on perch: to land or rest on a perch ( refers to birds )
A pair of doves perched on the apple tree.

4. transitive and intransitive verb textiles lay item on perch: to place woven fabric on a perch to inspect after weaving, or be placed on a perch

[13th century. Via French< Latin pertica "pole, stick"]

perch·er noun

knock somebody off his or her perch to make somebody feel less proud or superior

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