compeer
To be equal with; to match.
Noun
- The equal or peer of someone else; a close companion or associate.
- And him thus answer'd soon his bold compeer. - 1667, John Milton, “Book I”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias...
- She had fallen into the common error of supposing that the author must personify his works, and that his conversation must be copy and compeer of his writings. - 1831, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Romance and...
Origin
From Middle English comper, from Middle French comper, from Latin compater, compatrem. Doublet of compere as well as compadre and goombah. Influenced by folk-etymological analysis as com- + peer.
Forms
Verb
- To be equal with; to match.
- In my rights, / By me invested, he compeers the best. - c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...