Per*form" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Performed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Performing.] [OE. performen, parfourmen, parfournen, OF. parfornir, parfournir, to finish, complete; OF. & F. par (see Par) + fournir to finish, complete. The word has been influenced by form; cf. L. performare to form thoroughly. See Furnish.] 1. To carry through; to bring to completion; to achieve; to accomplish; to execute; to do.

I will cry unto God most high, unto God that performeth all things for me.

Great force to perform what they did attempt.

2. To discharge; to fulfill; to act up to; as, to perform a duty; to perform a promise or a vow.

To perform your father's will.

3. To represent; to act; to play; as in drama.

Perform a part thou hast not done before.

Syn. -- To accomplish; do; act; transact; achieve; execute; discharge; fulfill; effect; complete; consummate. See Accomplish.

Per*form", v. i. To do, execute, or accomplish something; to acquit one's self in any business; esp., to represent sometimes by action; to act a part; to play on a musical instrument; as, the players perform poorly; the musician performs on the organ.

• To do something
       The scientists performed several experiments.
       It took him only twenty minutes to perform the task.
  
• To do something in front of an audience in order to entertain it.
       She will perform in the play
       The magician performed badly - none of his tricks worked.
       The string quartet performed three pieces by Haydn.