Peter's pence

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English; from the tradition that St. Peter founded the papal see

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Peter's pence

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• penitence
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense