Paul Pry

American  

noun

1. an inquisitive, meddlesome person.

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Paul Pry British  

noun

1. a nosy person

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Etymology

Origin of Paul Pry

From name of title character of Paul Pry (1853) by John Poole (1786–1872), English dramatist

Example Sentences

In 1937, a book called For Your Convenience was published by the Limehouse Nights author Thomas Burke under the pseudonym Paul Pry.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2022

Every single one of his winning mounts was a long shot: Sorgho, who paid $15.80 for $2 in the pari-mutuel machines; Running Lights, $29.30; Sun Galomar, $23.40; Grand Party, $20.80; Paul Pry, $12.70; Starlike, $46.30.

From Time Magazine Archive

Paul Pry, Presidential Airedale, became vicious, was muzzled and offered to a Secret Service man.

From Time Magazine Archive

President Roosevelt has for the last several years regarded the press less as the main instrument of public information than as an annoying Paul Pry, a kind of powerful Peeping Tom, bent on general snoopery.

From Time Magazine Archive

His wife always maintained that he was something of a Paul Pry; and perhaps she was right.

From 'O Thou, My Austria!' by Schubin, Ossip