Jeer, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Jeered; p. pr. & vb. n. Jeering.]
Etymology: [Perh. a corrup. of cheer to salute with cheers, taken in an ironical sense; or more prob. fr. D. gekscheren to jeer, lit., to shear the fool; gek a fool (see 1st Geck) + scheren to shear. See Shear, v.]
To utter sarcastic or scoffing reflections; to speak with mockery or derision; to use taunting language; to scoff; as, to jeer at a speaker. But when he saw her toy and gibe and jeer. Spenser.
Syn. -- To sneer; scoff; flout; gibe; mock.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Jeer, n.
(Naut.) (a) A gear; a tackle. (b) pl.
An assemblage or combination of tackles, for hoisting or lowering the lower yards of a ship. Jeer capstan (Naut.), an extra capstan usually placed between the foremast and mainmast.
Jeer, v. t.
To treat with scoffs or derision; to address with jeers; to taunt; to flout; to mock at. And if we can not jeer them, we jeer ourselves. B. Jonson.
Jeer, n.
A railing remark or reflection; a scoff; a taunt; a biting jest; a flout; a jibe; mockery. Midas, exposed to all their jeers, Had lost his art, and kept his ears. Swift.