"Peeled eyen" is an archaic term that originated in Middle English. It is a compound phrase composed of two words: "peeled" and "eyen," both of which have distinct meanings.
Firstly, "peeled" in this context does not refer to the action of removing the outer layer of something, like peeling a fruit. Rather, it stems from the Middle English word "pelen" which means "to make bare" or "to clear away." Hence, "peeled" in this phrase refers to the state of having one's eyes uncovered, free from any sort of obstruction or hindrance.
Secondly, "eyen" is an archaic plural form of "eye," used in Middle English and Early Modern English. It refers to the organs of sight, which are responsible for visual perception.
Together, "peeled eyen" conveys the idea of having one's eyes opened widely or attentively focused on something. It denotes a state of utmost vigilance or intense observing, akin to keeping one's gaze fixed on a particular point with great concentration and scrutiny.
Today, the term "peeled eyen" is obsolete and rarely used in contemporary language. It is mostly encountered in works of poetry or literature from older periods, where it is employed to emphasize a person's watchful, alert, or curious nature, as if their vision was stripped of any distractions, allowing them to observe every detail with precision and intensity.
