Peter pence , ∨ Peter's pence Meaning, Definition & Usage

Definitions
  1. . (a) An annual tax or tribute, formerly paid by the English people to the pope, being a penny for every house, payable on Lammas or St.Peter's day; called also Rome scot, and hearth money. (b) In modern times, a voluntary contribution made by Roman Catholics to the private purse of the pope.

Webster 1913