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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.
Peter's 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
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Word History and Origins
Origin of Peter's pence1
1175–1225; Middle English Peteres peni (singular)
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Word History and Origins
Origin of Peter's pence1
C13: referring to St Peter , considered as the first pope
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