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 oraway ): 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 byout ).

   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 /

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

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 /

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

⁴

/ ˈpiːtə /

noun

1. 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

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.”

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

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of peter²

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

Origin of peter³

C17 (meaning a case): from the name Peter

Example Sentences

Vinai Venkatesham, previously CEO at Arsenal, was appointed as new chief executive of Spurs in April, while Peter Charrington becomes non-executive chairman, a new role.

From BBC

Tottenham said Peter Charrington would become non-executive chairman of the club, a new role.

From BBC

In July, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle wrote to the Turing Institute to tell its bosses to focus on defence and security.

From BBC

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC Sir Keir Starmer continues to have full confidence in Rayner, but he said it will be up to the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, Sir Laurie Magnus, to decide whether she took appropriate advice.

From BBC

“When Peter Schneider at Disney Animation asked me to produce The Rescuers Down Under, I had no idea it would lead to four decades working with some of the most exceptional creative artists in the world — both in animation and theatre,” Schumacher said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times