Percutient. That which strikes or has power to strike.
Perdu. A word adopted from the French, signifying to lie flat and closely in wait. It likewise means employed on desperate purposes; accustomed to desperate enterprises.
Pered (Hungary). Here the Hungarians under Görgey were defeated by Wohlgemuth and the Russians, June 21, 1849.
Perekop. An isthmus 5 miles broad, connecting the Crimea with the mainland. It was called by the Tartars Orkapou, “gate of the Isthmus,” which the Russians changed to its present name, which signifies a barren ditch. The Tartar fortress of the same name, which was situated on this isthmus, was taken and destroyed by the Russian marshal Münich in 1736, by assault, although it was defended by 1000 Janissaries and 100,000 Tartars. It was again strongly fortified by the khan, but was again taken by the Russians in 1771, who have since retained it.
Peremptory. Whatever is absolute and final, not to be altered, renewed, or restrained. Peremptory execution, what takes place immediately.
Perfidious. Treacherous; false to trust; guilty of violated faith; hence a perfidious foe. War, however melancholy in its effects, and frequently unjustifiable in its cause and progress, is nevertheless, among civilized nations, so far governed by certain principles of honor as to render the observance of established laws and customs an object of general acquiescence. When two or more countries are engaged in a hostile contest, whatever belligerent party grossly deviates from those rules is deservedly stamped with infamy, and justly called a perfidious foe.
Perfidy. Want of faith; treachery.
Perforated Cake Powder. See [Gunpowder].
Périgueux. A town of France, capital of the department of Dordogne, 296 miles south-southwest from Paris. Périgueux occupies the site of the ancient Vesunna, which was at the time of the Roman invasion the capital of the Petrocorii. Under the empire, it was a place of no small importance, as it stood at the junction of five roads, and was strongly fortified. It was ceded, along with Aquitaine, to the English by Louis IX. After having been recovered by the French, the town was again lost; but it was finally taken from the English by Charles V. During the civil wars of the Reformation, it was a stronghold of the Protestants till the year 1581; and it was not till 1653 that it came into the power of the crown.
Peril. Instant or impending danger; risk; hazard; jeopardy; exposure to injury, loss, or destruction.