Peter's pence
or Peter pence
noun
an annual tax or tribute, originally of a penny, paid by certain English property owners to the papal see until the Reformation.
a voluntary contribution to the pope, made by Roman Catholics.
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Origin of Peter's pence
1175–1225; Middle English Peteres peni (singular)
Words nearby Peter's pence
Peter Principle, Petersburg, petersham, Peterson, Peters' ovum, Peter's pence, Peters' projection, Peter the Great, Peter the Hermit, pethidine, pétillant
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for Peter's pence
Peter's pence
Peter pence
noun
an annual tax, originally of one penny, formerly levied for the maintenance of the Papal See: abolished by Henry VIII in 1534
a voluntary contribution made by Roman Catholics in many countries for the same purpose
Word Origin for Peter's pence
C13: referring to St Peter, considered as the first pope
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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