Paulo, Signor.—Comedian and Clown—the original Billy Waters in the Adelphi Version of “Tom and Jerry,” died July 27, 1835, aged 48.
Pavé.—The town. A nymph of the pavé, a prostitute.
Pea-Green Hayne—Mr.—He was nicknamed “Pea-green” from his folly in reference to Miss Maria Foote, afterwards the Countess of Harrington. It will be remembered that that beautiful and accomplished lady brought an action against Hayne for breach of promise of marriage, and recovered 3000l. damages; but Hayne was not green upon that account; it was an affair which the shrewdest man of fashion might have fallen into. If greenness existed at all in Hayne on that question, it laid in not marrying her. Fate, however, designed for the lady a better match. The eccentric Lord Harrington, though a wild, sporting, boxing spirit, as Lord Petersham, was, as the Earl, one of the most refined gentlemen that ever added grace to a coronet; and it might be fairly said that his Lordship did so. Mr Hayne was a man with a mind well stored; he had experience to aid him. In his association with Ned Baldwin, alias White-headed Bob, the pugilist, whom he trained and backed, and other fast celebrities of the day, he learnt much, though he paid dearly for it.
Peck.—To eat. Peck and Booze, victuals and drink. Peckish, hungry. Peck-alley, the throat.
Peel.—To strip, to undress; allusion to the taking off of the coat or rind of an orange.
Peepers.—Eyes. Single peeper, a one eyed man.
Pewter.—Money, from the close alliance of much of our so-called silver. To stump the pewter, to pay money.
Pierce Egan.—Author of “Tom and Jerry,” died August 3, 1849, aged 77.
Pig and Tinder-box.—A jocular term for the sign of the Elephant and Castle.
Pigs.—Thief-takers, formerly applied to a Bow Street Officer.