PETER'S PENCE


Meaning of PETER'S PENCE in English

Function: noun plural but singular in construction

Etymology: Middle English; from the tradition that Saint Peter founded the papal see

Date: 14th century

1 : an annual tribute of a penny formerly paid by each householder in England to the papal see

2 : a voluntary annual contribution made by Roman Catholics to the pope

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.