The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SQUINTING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
Q
U
I
N
T
I
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G
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Peering" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case peering = squinting.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SQUINTING mean?
SQUINTING verb- To look with the eyes partly closed, as in bright sunlight, or as a threatening expression.
- To look or glance sideways.
- To look with, or have eyes that are turned in different directions; to suffer from strabismus.
- To have an indirect bearing, reference, or implication; to have an allusion to, or inclination towards, something.
- To be not quite straight, off-centred; to deviate from a true line; to run obliquely.
- To turn to an oblique position; to direct obliquely.
- The act of one who squints.