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.
Origin of Peter's pence
11175–1225; Middle English Peteres peni (singular)
Words Nearby Peter's pence
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for Peter's pence
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
Origin of Peter's pence
1C13: referring to St Peter, considered as the first pope
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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