peter

¹

[ pee-ter ]

verb (used without object)

1. to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing; gradually come to an end (usually followed by out or away ): The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.

   The criticism seems to have petered out.

   The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.

2. to tire; become exhausted (usually followed by out ):

   I began to peter out after walking about 2 miles.

peter

²

[ pee-ter ]

noun

, Slang: Vulgar.

1. penis.

peter

³

[ pee-ter ]

noun

, Whist.

1. a signal for an echo.

Peter

⁴

[ pee-ter ]

noun

1. Also called Simon Peter. died a.d. 67?, one of the 12 apostles and the reputed author of two of the Epistles.
2. either of these two Epistles in the New Testament, I Peter or II Peter.
3. a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter P.
4. a male given name.

Peter

¹

/ ˈpiːtə /

noun

1. Peter, Saint?67MJewishRELIGION: apostleRELIGION: martyrRELIGION: saint Saint. Also called: Simon Peter. died ?67 ad , a fisherman of Bethsaida, who became leader of the apostles and is regarded by Roman Catholics as the first pope; probably martyred at Rome. Feast day: June 29 or Jan 18
2. either of two epistles traditionally ascribed to Peter (in full The First Epistle and The Second Epistle of Peter )

peter

²

/ ˈpiːtə /

verb

1. to play a high card before a low one in a suit, usually a conventional signal of a doubleton holding or of strength in that suit

noun

1. the act of petering

peter

³

/ ˈpiːtə /

verb

1. intr; foll by out or away to fall (off) in volume, intensity, etc, and finally cease

   the cash petered out in three months

peter

⁴

/ ˈpiːtə /

noun

1. a safe, till, or cash box
2. a prison cell
3. the witness box in a courtroom
4. a slang word for penis

Peter

1. Chief among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus , he was a fisherman, originally named Simon (and often called Simon Peter). Jesus gave him the name Rock, of which “Peter” is a translation. Peter showed great faith but also exhibited great failings ( see Get thee behind me, Satan ). In the frightening hours before the Crucifixion , Peter three times denied being a follower of Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted he would. Nevertheless, Peter went on to become the leader of the early Christians (see also Christian ) ( see Pentecost ), thus fulfilling another prophecy of Jesus , who had said of Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church …. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven .”

Notes

The great church of the Vatican , Saint Peter's Basilica , was later built on what was believed to be the site of his burial.

Peter is often depicted holding keys. Roman Catholics maintain a number of traditions about Peter: that he was the first of the popes , for example, and that he was martyred at Rome by being crucified upside down, because he refused to be crucified as Jesus had been.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peter¹

First recorded in 1845–50; origin uncertain

Origin of peter²

First recorded in 1870–75; generic use of the proper name

Origin of peter³

First recorded in 1885–90; from blue peter

Origin of peter⁴

Middle English; Old English Petrus < Latin < Greek Pétros stone, translation of Syriac kēfā

Word History and Origins

Origin of peter¹

C20: perhaps a special use of peter ¹(to fall off in power)

Origin of peter²

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of peter³

C17 (meaning a case): from the name Peter

Example Sentences

It has struck up a partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is led by Edward Hall, whose ties to the Royal Shakespeare Company run unusually deep: His father, Peter Hall, the eminent British director, founded it.

From New York Times

For week 12 he takes on The Farm singer and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton.

From BBC

Peter's prediction: Chelsea looked like a basket case in the summer but they impressed me at Anfield earlier this month - they had a gameplan and played really well.

From BBC

Peter's prediction: Brighton really impressed me at Anfield with their one-touch football, but everyone knows Bournemouth are decent at home.

From BBC

Peter's prediction: This is a must-win for Arsenal because they are already off the pace.

From BBC