Peter \Pe"ter\ (p[=e]"t[~e]r), prop. n.
A common baptismal name for a man. The name of one of the
twelve apostles of Christ.
[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 (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.
[1913 Webster]
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