Sim"per (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Simpered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Simpering.] [Cf. Norw. semper fine, smart, dial. Dan. semper, simper, affected, coy, prudish, OSw. semper one who affectedly refrains from eating, Sw. sipp finical, prim, LG. sipp.]
1.
To smile in a silly, affected, or conceited manner.
Behold yond simpering dame.
Shak.
With a made countenance about her mouth, between simpering and smiling.
ir. P. Sidney.
2.
To glimmer; to twinkle.
[Obs.]
Yet can I mark how stars above
Simper and shine.
Herbert.
© Webster 1913.
Sim"per, n.
A constrained, self-conscious smile; an affected, silly smile; a smirk.
The conscious simper, and the jealous leer.
Pope.
© Webster 1913.