Peru. From its principal waterway, the Rio Paro, on the banks of which the ancient city of Paruru is situated. All these names are modifications of the native Para, water or river.
Perugino. See “[Il Perugino].”
Peter. A word employed in America for running up the prices at an auction. It is derived from the Dutch pethur, to run, to hurry. The common name for a confederate of the auctioneer at a mock auction is a “Peter Funk,” that of the fictitious person to whom the goods are knocked down.
Peter Boat. One built alike at both ends, so that it can be run out quickly. See “[Peter].”
Peterborough. From the great Benedictine monastery built and dedicated to St Peter by Oswy, King of Northumbria, in the seventh century.
Peterhouse College. Founded at Cambridge in connection with a hospital dedicated to St Peter by Hugh de Balsham in 1280.
Peterloo Massacre. The name given to the dispersal of Lancashire operatives assembled to discuss Parliamentary reform in St Peter’s Field, Manchester, by an armed force, 10th July 1819. In this melee many were wounded and several killed. The term was a fanciful one, suggested by the battle of Waterloo of five years previous to this event.
Peter’s Pence. An annual contribution throughout the Roman Catholic world for the upkeep of the vast establishment of the Vatican and the Papal Court. Since the loss of the Papal States in Italy this constitutes the sole revenue of the Pope. Anciently it was a tax of a silver penny in respect of every member of a household.
Petrel. See “[Stormy Petrel].”
Petticoat. A smaller or shorter coat, which was the ancient description of a woman’s outer garment; derived from the Norman cotte.