Peter's pence
Americannoun
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an annual tax or tribute, originally of a penny, paid by certain English property owners to the papal see until the Reformation.
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a voluntary contribution to the pope, made by Roman Catholics.
noun
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an annual tax, originally of one penny, formerly levied for the maintenance of the Papal See: abolished by Henry VIII in 1534
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a voluntary contribution made by Roman Catholics in many countries for the same purpose
Etymology
Origin of Peter's pence
1175–1225; Middle English Peteres peni (singular)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The gap has been met by "Peter's pence," the aid offering from churches around the world, and other gifts.
From Time Magazine Archive
It was Biddy who kissed his face and put Peter's pence upon his eyes and folded his arms on his breast.
From The Tragic Bride by Young, Francis Brett
This institution was supported by a yearly contribution from England, which appears to have been the origin of Peter’s pence.
From The English Church in the Middle Ages by Hunt, William
She had, moreover, a staunch following of gilt-plated youths who, being really afraid of her, made her a belle as a sort of social Peter’s pence.
From Belford's Magazine, Volume II, No. 8, January, 1889 by Various
It is honorable to the Catholic people that, in the circumstances, they added the good work of supporting the Pontifical army to their collections of Peter's pence.
From Pius IX. And His Time by Dawson, Æneas MacDonell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
