Peter's pence

noun

plural in form but singular in construction
1
: an annual tribute of a penny formerly paid by each householder in England to the papal see
2
: a voluntary annual contribution made by Roman Catholics to the pope

Word History

Etymology

Middle English; from the tradition that St. Peter founded the papal see

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Peter's pence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Peter's pence

Peter's fish

Peter's pence

peter boat

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Peter's pence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Peter%27s%20pence. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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