‖n. [ L., section of a book, Gr. &unr_;; peri` around + &unr_; to cut. ] A selection or extract from a book; especially (Theol.), a selection from the Bible, appointed to be read in the churches or used as a text for a sermon. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Pref. peri- + -scope. ] A general or comprehensive view. [ archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]
2. An optical instrument of tubular shape containing an arrangement of lenses and mirrors (or prisms), allowing a person to observe a field of view otherwise obstructed, as beyond an obstructing object or (as in submarines) above the surface of the water. [ PJC ]