Peter's pence

Peter's pence
Peter Pe"ter, n. A common baptismal name for a man. The name of one of the apostles, [1913 Webster]

{Peter boat}, a fishing boat, sharp at both ends, originally of the Baltic Sea, but now common in certain English rivers.

{Peter Funk}, the auctioneer in a mock auction. [Cant, U.S.]

{Peter pence}, or {Peter's pence}. (a) An annual tax or tribute, formerly paid by the English people to the pope, being a penny for every house, payable on Lammas or St.Peter's day; -- called also {Rome scot}, and {hearth money}. (b) In modern times, a voluntary contribution made by Roman Catholics to the private purse of the pope.

{Peter's fish} (Zo["o]l.), a haddock; -- so called because the black spots, one on each side, behind the gills, are traditionally said to have been caused by the fingers of St. Peter, when he caught the fish to pay the tribute. The name is applied, also, to other fishes having similar spots. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Peter's Pence — is the practice of lay members of the Roman Catholic Church providing financial support to the Holy See. While the regular tithe goes to the local parish or diocese, the Peter s Pence goes directly to Rome. The practice originated in the eighth… …   Wikipedia

  • Peter's pence — Peter pence or Peter s pence An ancient levy or tax of a penny on each house throughout England, paid to the Pope. It was called Peter pence, because collected on the day of St. Peter, ad vincula; by the Saxons it was called Romefeoh, Romescot,… …   Black's law dictionary

  • Peter's pence — n. 1. an annual tax, orig. of one penny, paid to the papal see by certain English property owners before the Reformation 2. an annual voluntary donation made by Catholics everywhere to the papal see: Also Peter pence …   English World dictionary

  • Peter's pence — 1.) money given by Roman Catholics in many countries to help to pay for the running of the ↑Vatican (=the offices of the Pope) 2.) a tax of one penny which each person in England had to pay to the ↑Pope until Henry VIII stopped it in 1534 …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Peter's pence — 1. an annual tax or tribute, originally of a penny, paid by certain English property owners to the papal see until the Reformation. 2. a voluntary contribution to the pope, made by Roman Catholics. Also, Peter pence. [1175 1225; ME Peteres peni… …   Universalium

  • Peter's pence — [Rom feoh] Denarius Sancti Petri. A penny tax each year on every house in England, collected at midsummer, and paid to the Holy See. Just when it began is not clear. A letter from Canute in 1031 mentions the penny owed to Rome. Claims were made… …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • Peter's pence — Pe′ter s pence′ or Pe′ter pence n. 1) rel an annual tax of a penny from each household, formerly paid to the papal see 2) rel a voluntary contribution to the pope, made by Roman Catholics • Etymology: 1175–1225 …   From formal English to slang

  • Peter's pence — noun plural but singular in construction Etymology: Middle English; from the tradition that Saint Peter founded the papal see Date: 14th century 1. an annual tribute of a penny formerly paid by each householder in England to the papal see 2. a… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • PETER'S PENCE —    an annual tribute of a silver penny per household in England to support the chair of St. Peter at Rome, and which continued more or less to be levied from the end of the 8th century till the days of Elizabeth, when it ceased. The payment has… …   The Nuttall Encyclopaedia

  • Peter's pence — plural noun 1》 historical an annual tax of one penny from householders with land of a certain value, paid to the papal see. 2》 (since 1860) a voluntary payment by Roman Catholics to the papal treasury. Origin named after St Peter, the first Pope …   English new terms dictionary

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