Pesky, an intensitive expression, implying annoyance; as, “A PESKY, troublesome fellow.” Corruption of PESTILENT; or, Irish, PEASGACH, rough, rugged. Pesky has now become more American than English. Pesky Ike is the name of a popular American drama.
Peter, a partridge.—Poacher’s term.
Peter, a bundle, or valise. Also, a cash-box.
Peter, to run short, or give out.—American.
Peter Funk, an American term for a spurious auction or “knock-out.”
Peter Grievous, a miserable, melancholy fellow; a croaker.
Petticoat, a woman.
Pewter, money, like “tin,” used generally to signify silver; also a tankard. “Let me have my beer in the PEWTER,” is a common request to waiters, made by “City” men, and others who affect habits of rude health. The pots for which rowing men contend are often called PEWTERS.
Philadelphia-lawyer, a Transatlantic limb of the law considered to be the very acme of acuteness. Sailors relate many stories of his artful abilities, none, however, short enough to find a place here. The phrase, “Enough to puzzle a Philadelphia-lawyer,” means, enough to puzzle the sharpest man in the world.
Philander, to ramble on incoherently; to write discursively and weakly.