Definition of pore over

The phrase "pore over" is a phrasal verb that originated in the English language during the 16th century. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle English word "porcalleden," which meant "membrane" or "skin." The word "pore" by itself is derived from the Old French word "poire," which meant "hole." During the Middle English period, the word "pore" also referred to a "small aperture," which was associated with possible leaks or openings, particularly in reference to a ship's hull. This meaning of "pore" has remained consistent in modern English. The word "over" is an Old English prefix that means "beyond" or "across." It is commonly employed in phrasal verbs such as "look over" or "read over," signifying a thorough and careful examination of something. When the words "pore" and "over" were combined to form the phrasal verb "pore over," it came to mean "to study carefully and meticulously, paying close attention to every detail." By the Early Modern English period, this phrase had become commonly used to describe the act of scrutinizing something in great detail, such as a text or a document. Today, "pore over" remains a widely used and recognizable expression in the English language.