Page:Farmer - Slang and its analogues past and present - Volume 5.pdf/182

 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