1889. J. C. Coleman [S. J. & C., s.v. Peter Collins.] A gentleman never to be found . . . [on whom] young aspirants . . . are told to call. . . . The youth is sent from roof to cellar, and, finally, is generally let down a trap and left to get out as best he can. The password at circuses is the "green-handled rake," which the youth is requested to ask for. He is generally settled with a pill of horse-dung when they have had enough of him.
Peter Funk, subs. phr. (American).—1.
A decoy at a mock
auction; also, at genuine but
petty sales, a runner-up of prices;
a puffer (q.v.). Hence (2) the
personification of petty deceit and
humbug.
Peter-Grievous, subs. phr. (common).—A
fretful child.
Peter-Gunner, subs. phr. (old).—An
amateur gun; a plasterer
(q.v.).—Grose (1785).
1614. The Cold Year [Nares]. It was a shame that poore harmlesse birds could not be suffered to save themselves under a bush . . . but that every paltrie Peter-gunner must shoote fire and brimstone at them.
1633. Shirley, Witty Fair One, ii. 2. I smell powder . . . this peter-gunner should have given fire.
Peter Lug, subs. phr. (old).—A
laggard in drinking.—B. E.
(c.1696); Grose (1785).
Peter-man, subs. phr. (old).—1.
A fisherman: specifically 'those
who formerly used unlawful engines
in catching fish in the
river Thames.'—Bailey (1728).
Whence, peter-boat = a fishing-boat:
specifically one built sharp,
bow and stern, for quick handling.
[In allusion to Math. iv. 18.]
1605. Marston, Jonson, and Chapman, Eastward Hoe, ii, 3. Yet his skin is too thick to make parchment; 'twould make good boots for a Peterman to catch salmon in.
1607. Dekker, Northward Hoe, ii. 1. If we have but good draughts in my peter-boat, fresh salmon, you sweet villains, shall be no meat with us.
1657. Howell, Londinop., 14. There area great number of other kind of fishermen—belonging to the Thames, called Hebber-men, Petermen, and Trawler-*men.
2. (thieves').—See Peter.
Peter-see-me, subs. phr. (old).—A
Spanish wine. [From Sp.
'Pedra Ximenes,' the famous
cardinal.] Also Peter, Peter-sa-mene,
and Peter-semine.
1617. Brathwaite, Vandunk's Four Humours [Palmer in Stanford], I am phlegmaticke as may be, Peter see me must inure me.
1620 Beaumont and Fletcher, Chances, v. 3. By Canary thus I charge thee, By Britain metheglin, and peeter, Appear and answer me in meeter.
1623. Middleton, Spanish Gypsy, iii. 1. Peter-see-me shall wash thy noul, And malaga glasses for thee.
1630. Taylor, Works, sig. 2 Fff 4 r. 1. Peter-see-mea or head strong Charnico.
Petman, subs. (provincial).—The
smallest pig in a litter; a tantony-pig
(q.v.).
Petronel. Sir Petronel Flash,
subs. phr. (old).—A swaggerer;
a penniless ruffler; see quot. 1595.
1595. Florio, Worlde of Wordes, 585. Sir Petronel Flash, a boasteing fellowe, a braggadochio.
1605. Jonson, Chapman, and Marston, Eastward Hoe, Dram. Pers. Sir Petronel Flash.
[?]. Brit. Bibl., ii. 167. Give your scholler degrees, and your lawyer his fees, And some dice for Sir Petronell Flash.
Petticoat, subs. (colloquial).—A
woman: also as adj. Hence,
petticoat-affair = a matter
with a woman in it; petticoat-government
= female home-rule;
petticoat-hold = a life
