Word Origin & History
perilearly 13c., from O.Fr. peril (10c.), from L. periculum "an attempt, risk, danger," with instrumentive suffix -culum and root of ex-peri-ri "to try," cognate with Gk. peria "trial, attempt, experience," empeiros "experienced," O.Ir. aire "vigilance," Goth. ferja "watcher," O.E. fær "danger, fear,"
all ult. from PIE base *per- "to lead across."