Pen’orth, value for money; as, “I’ll have my PEN’ORTH,”—given irrespective of the actual amount.
Pensioner, a man of the most degraded condition who lives off the miserable earnings of a prostitute. There is an unmentionable prefix to the word Pensioner. See [Ponce].
Pepper, to thrash, or strike.—Pugilistic, but used by Shakspeare.—Eastern Counties.
Pepper-boxes, the buildings of the Royal Academy and National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The name was first given by a wag, in allusion to the cupolas erected by Wilkins, the architect, upon the roof, which, from their form and awkward appearance, at a distance suggest to the stranger the fact of their being enlarged PEPPER-BOXES. See [BOILERS].
Perch, or ROOST, a resting-place; “I’m off to PERCH,” i.e., I am going to bed.
“Nor yet a single perch, for which my lucky stars to thank,
Except the perch I’ve taken on this damp rheumatic bank.”
Perform, to carry out a design, generally a dishonest one. To “PERFORM on a flat” is to cozen a fool.
Perkin, beer. Dandy or affected shortening of the widely-known firm, Barclay and Perkins.
Perpendicular, a lunch taken standing-up at a tavern bar. It is usual to call it lunch, often as the PERPENDICULAR may take the place of dinner.
Persuaders, spurs.