Pacolet, a familiar spirit.—Steele, The Tatler (1709).
Pacolet, or Nick Strumpfer, the dwarf servant of Norna “of the Fitful Head.”—Sir W. Scott, The Pirate (time William III.).
Pacomo (St.), an Egyptian, who lived in the fourth century. It is said that he could walk among serpents unhurt; and when he had occasion to cross the Nile, he was carried on the back of a crocodile.
The hermit fell on his knees before an image of St. Pacomo, which was glued to the wall.—Lesage, Gil Blas, iv. 9 (1724).
Paddington (Harry), one of Macheath’s gang of thieves. Peachum describes him as a “poor, petty-larceny rascal, without the least genius. That fellow,” he says, “though he were to live for six months, would never come to the gallows with credit” (act i. 1).—Gay, The Beggar’s Opera (1727).
Paddy, an Irishman. A corruption of Padhrig, Irish for Patrick.
Padlock (The), a comic opera by Bickerstaff. Don Diego (2 syl.), a wealthy lord of 60, saw a country maiden named Leonora, to whom he took a fancy, and arranged with the parents to take her home with him and place her under the charge of a duenna for three months, to see if her temper was as sweet as her face was pretty; and then either “to return her to them spotless, or make her his lawful wife.” At the expiration of the time, the don went to arrange with the parents for the wedding, and locked up his house, giving the keys to Ursula, the duenna. To make assurance doubly sure, he put a padlock on the outer door, and took the key with him. Leander, a young student, smitten with the damsel, laughed at locksmiths and duennas, and, having gained admission into the house, was detected by Don Diego, who returned unexpectedly. The old don, being a man of sense, perceived that Leander was a more suitable bridegroom than himself, so he not only sanctioned the alliance, but gave Leonora a handsome wedding dowry (1768).
Pæan, the physician of the immortals.
Pæa´na, daughter of Corflambo, “fair as ever yet saw living eye,” but “too loose of life and eke too light.” Pæana fell in love with Amĭas, a captive in her father’s dungeon; but Amias had no heart to give away. When Placĭdae was brought captive before Pæana, she mistook him for Amias, and married him. The poet adds, that she thenceforth so reformed her ways “that all men much admired the change, and spake her praise.”—Spenser, Faëry Queen, iv. 9 (1596).
Pagan, a fay who loved the Princess Imis; but Imis rejected his suit, as she loved her cousin, Philax. Pagan, out of revenge, shut them up in a superb crystal palace, which contained every delight except that of leaving it. In the course of a few years, Imis and Philax longed as much for a separation as, at one time, they wished to be united.—Comtesse D’Aunoy, Fairy Tales (“Palace of Revenge,” 1682).