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

Awaiting Lara Jean at home are the stresses of college acceptance season as well as her boyfriend, Peter, with whom she plans to attend Stanford.

From Washington Post

They went to high school together in Richmond, in the late 1960s, when she dated Peter’s best friend and Peter dated hers.

From Washington Post

Sharon Kunde, Peter’s wife, found no thrill in the situation either, though her body felt fine.

From ProPublica

“This is Alex’s team and Peter’s team, so I’m very much looking forward to trying to help them as much as I can with my experiences on and off the ice,” Chara said.

From Washington Post

So instead Chasten purchased a watch for Peter as a sort of pre-engagement gift.

From Washington Post

At Christianity Today, Peter Chin claims Christians should preach peace instead of bogging down in the particulars of race.

From The Daily Beast

It might feel fresh to see Peter Parker juggling with adult issues.

From The Daily Beast

Another angle Robinov suggests as a possibility for Peter Parker/Spider-Man is a franchise reboot tackling Spidey as… an adult.

From The Daily Beast

By doing that, Bratton has said publicly, he expects that eventually the protests will “peter out on their own.”

From The Daily Beast

Peter inquires, apparently inquiring if the cop is a good shot.

From The Daily Beast

In the evening, St. Peter's and its accessories were illuminated—by far the most brilliant spectacle I ever saw.

From Project Gutenberg

Peter Elmsly, a partner of the celebrated Paul Valliant, and himself an importer of books and no mean critic and linguist, died.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Peter Edlin, it seems, has been doing treble the amount of work for a two-third's salary.

From Project Gutenberg

Joe Kelly and a Mr. Peter Alley were fast asleep in their chairs, close to the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, "Rabbi, behold the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away."

From Project Gutenberg