pestiferous, a. [infectious], [contagious], pestilential; [noxious], [noisome].

pestilence, n. [plague], [scourge], fatal epidemic.

pestilent, a. [pestiferous].

pet, n. fondling, darling, favorite; cosset; tiff.

pet, v. [humor], [coddle], [fondle], cosset, caress, [indulge].

pet, a. favorite, petted, cade.

peter out. (Slang) [dwindle].

petition, n. entreaty, supplication, [prayer].

petition, v. entreat, supplicate, [pray].

petitioner, n. suppliant, [applicant], solicitor.