First Known Use: 1769
Dictionary
Peeping Tom
noun \-ˈtäm\
Definition of PEEPING TOM
: a pruriently prying person : voyeur
— Peeping Tom·ism \-ˈtä-ˌmi-zəm\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PEEPING TOM
Peeping Tom, legendary citizen of Coventry who watched Lady Godiva riding naked
Rhymes with PEEPING TOM
Medical Dictionary
Peeping Tom
noun Peep·ing Tom \ˌpē-piŋ-ˈtäm\
Medical Definition of PEEPING TOM
: a pruriently prying person : voyeur
—Peeping Tom·ism \-ˈtäm-ˌiz-əm\ noun
Biographical Note for PEEPING TOM
Peeping Tom, British legendary character. According to popular legend, Tom was a prying tailor who was struck blind (or, in some versions, struck dead) as he watched Lady Godiva when she rode naked through the streets of Coventry, England, as a protest against the heavy taxes imposed upon the citizens of Coventry.
Learn More About PEEPING TOM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: peepsPrevious Word in the Dictionary: peepholeAll Words Near: Peeping Tom
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up Peeping Tom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).