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 Matt. 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, Londonopolis, 14. There are a great number of other kind of fishermen—belonging to the Thames, called Hebber-men, PETERMEN, and Trawler-men.
2. (thieves’).—See PETER.
