simper Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a silly self-conscious smile
  2. verb smile affectedly or derisively
    smirk.

WordNet

Sim"per intransitive verb
Etymology
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.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Simpered ; present participle & verbal noun Simpering
Definitions
  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.
Sim"per noun
Definitions
  1. A constrained, self-conscious smile; an affected, silly smile; a smirk.
    The conscious simper, and the jealous leer. Pope.

Webster 1913