PETER'S PENCE • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Peter's pence

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/pˈitərz pɛns/ Listen

proper noun

Peter n. A common baptismal name for a man. The name of one of the twelve apostles of Christ.

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 (Zool.), 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.

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Etymology of 'Peter's pence'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Peter's pence" Quotes from Famous Books

... came partly from the States of the Church in Italy, partly from the gifts of the faithful, and partly from the payments made by abbots, bishops, and archbishops when the pope confirmed their election to office. Still another source of revenue consisted of "Peter's Pence," a tax of a penny on each hearth. It was collected every year in England and in some Continental countries until the Reformation. The modern "Peter's Pence" is a voluntary contribution made by Roman Catholics ...

— EARLY EUROPEAN HISTORY • HUTTON WEBSTER