Peter's pence

American  

Or Peter pence

noun

1. an annual tax or tribute, originally of a penny, paid by certain English property owners to the papal see until the Reformation.

2. a voluntary contribution to the pope, made by Roman Catholics.

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Peter's pence British  

noun

1. an annual tax, originally of one penny, formerly levied for the maintenance of the Papal See: abolished by Henry VIII in 1534

2. a voluntary contribution made by Roman Catholics in many countries for the same purpose

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Etymology

Origin of Peter's pence

1175–1225; Middle English Peteres peni (singular)

Example Sentences

The gap has been met by "Peter's pence," the aid offering from churches around the world, and other gifts.

From Time Magazine Archive

All the efforts of Rome are fruitless; it tries to maintain its dignity with Peter's pence, and has allowed millions to slip through its fingers.

From Black Diamonds by Jókai, Mór

Peter’s pence, 36, 40, 49, 61, 84, 181, 204.

From The English Church in the Middle Ages by Hunt, William

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

This “tallage of groats,” which seems to be derived by analogy from the hearth money for Peter’s pence, was followed by the graduated poll taxes of 1379 and 1380.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 4 "England" to "English Finance" by Various