Pacha. See “[Pasha].”
Pacific Ocean. So called by Magellan, who, after a tempestuous passage through the straits which bear his name, enjoyed a cruise of three months and twenty-one days across this ocean in continuous fine weather, and with the advantage of favourable winds.
Pack Horse. An inn sign denoting that the establishment provided accommodation for “Packmen,” and also that pack horses were let out on hire.
Packmen. The old name for commercial travellers, whose goods or samples were carried in packs or sacks fastened to the saddle of a pack horse.
Paddington. The ancient description of this parish was “Padynton,” the settlement of the Pædings. Another branch of the same family gave its name to “Padendene”--i.e. the wooded valley of the Pædings in Surrey.
Paddington Street. Originally a narrow lane leading northward on to the common known as Paddington Fields.
Paddle your own Canoe. Originally a Western phrase for self-reliance. A canoe is an Indian boat affording room for one person. If he cannot paddle it himself no one else is in a position to help him. The expression became extremely popular in England through a song of this title thirty years ago.
Paddy. The common name for an Irishman, being short for “Pat,” after St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Pagan. This term had at first not the slightest connection with religion. Derived from the Latin pagus, the country, a paganus denoted a peasant or villager. Removed from the refinement of the cities such a one had, of course, very little acquaintance with the complicated system of Roman mythology. On this account only could it be said that those who remained unconverted to Christianity were Pagans.
Page Green. See “[Seven Sisters’ Road].”