PENUMBRA. The lighter shade which surrounds the dark shadow of the earth in an eclipse of the moon. Also, the light shade which usually encircles the black spots upon the sun's disc.
PEON-WOOD. See [Poon-wood].
PEOTTA. A craft of the Adriatic, of light burden, propelled by oars and canvas.
PEPPER-DULSE. Halymenia edulis; a pungent sea-weed, which, as well as H. palmata, common dulse, is eaten in Scotland.
PER-CENTAGE. A proportional sum by which insurance, brokerage, freight, del credere, &c., are paid.
PERCER. A rapier; a short sword.
PERCH. A pole stuck up on a shoal as a beacon; or a spar erected on or projected from a cliff whence to watch fish.
PERCUSSION. The striking of one body by another.
PERDEWS. A corruption from enfans perdus, to designate those soldiers who are selected for the [forlorn hope] (which see).
PERIGEE. That point in the moon's orbit where she is nearest to the earth; or the point in the earth's orbit where we are nearest to the sun.