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Peter pence

Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Peter \Pe"ter\, n.
   A common baptismal name for a man. The name of one of the
   apostles,

   {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.
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