Laura Pendennis. This is one of the best of Thackeray’s characters.
Major Pendennis, a tuft-hunter, who fawns on his patrons for the sake of wedging himself into their society.—History of Pendennis, published originally in monthly parts, beginning in 1849.
Pendrag´on, probably a title meaning “chief leader in war.” Dragon is Welsh for a “leader in war,” and pcn for “head” or “chief.” The title was given to Uther, brother of Constans, and father of Prince Arthur. Like the word “Pharaoh,” it is used as a proper name without the article.—Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chron., vi. (1142).
Once I read,
That stout Pendragon in his litter, sick,
Came to the field, and vanquished his foes.
Shakespeare, 1 Henry VI. act iii. sc. 2 (1589)
Penel´ope’s Web, a work that never progresses. Penelopê, the wife of Ulysses, being importuned by several suitors during her husband’s long absence, made reply that she could not marry again, even if Ulysses were dead, till she had finished weaving a shroud for her aged father-in-law. Every night she pulled out what she had woven during the day, and thus the shroud made no progress towards completion.—Greek Mythology.
The French say of a work “never ending, still beginning,” c’est l’ouvrage de Pénélope.
Penelope Lapham, vivacious, but not pretty daughter of Silas Lapham. Her wit wins the love her sister’s beauty could not capture. Penelope’s unintentional conquest brings painful perplexity to herself, with anguish to her sister. Still she yields finally to Irene’s magnanimity and her suitor’s persuasions, and weds Tom Corey.—W. D. Howells, The Rise of Silas Lapham (1887).
Penel´ophon, the beggar loved by King Cophetua. Shakespeare calls the name Zenelophon in Love’s Labor’s Lost, act iv. sc. 1 (1594).—Percy, Reliques, I. ii. 6 (1765).
Penelva (The Exploits and Adventures of), part of the series called Le Roman des Romans, pertaining to “Am´adis of Gaul.” This part was added by an anonymous Portuguese (fifteenth century).
Penfeather (Lady Penelope), the Lady Patroness at the Spa.—Sir W. Scott, St. Ronan’s Well (time, George III.).