Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/142

Rh PEEP-SHAW.—A paper case with glass over, filled by children with flowers pressed against the glass; there is a paper lid which is raised for a "pin a peep."

PEE-WHIT.—The Lap-wing, thus called from its note.

"There is a primitive musical instrument made by boys called a pee-whit; a small stick is split and an ivy leaf inserted, blowing on this produces a curious sound.

PEFFLE.—In a nervous state; in a condition of hurry and confusion.

"A zimmed in zuch peffle as a did'nt knaw what a was a-zaayin' on."

PEG.—A pig. In "The Scouring of the White Horse" we have—

"Then as zure as pegs is pegs Aayte chaps ketched I by the legs."

"Peg away" is a common encouraging phrase for "commence eating," or "eat heartily."

PELT.—Temper. "I zimmed in a girt pelt about ut." The skin of an animal.

To throw. "I zee the bwoys a the hens wi' stwuns."

PEND.—To prevent escape. "Ther be zome bwoys in the archut a-got at the apples, let us go roun' t' other zide on 'um an' zo pen 'um."

PEND.—Depend.

PENNYWINKLE.—Periwinkle.

PEPPER.—To strike with shot or a number of missiles at once. "I properly peppered a rabbut but a managed to crape into his hawle."

PEPPERY.—Irascible.

PERKY.—Assertive in manner, conceited, inclined to be saucy or impertinent.

PERTAAYTERS, or TAAYTERS.—Potatoes.

PERZWAAYDIN'.—Repetition of invitation. "Now do 'e come an' zee us zoon, an' bring yer missus wi' 'e, an' dwoant 'e want no ."

PE-US.—Piece; a field of arable land is so called.