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

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

In fact, few birds have such good manners as the wood thrush, and few have so much the manner of a Paul Pry and eavesdropper as the catbird.

From Under the Maples by Burroughs, John