† ˈpewˌfellow Obs.
[f. pew n.1+ fellow.]
One who has a seat in the same pew; a fellow-worshipper; one of the same communion, persuasion, or sect; a companion, an associate.
| c 1524 Wolsey in J. Hooker Hist. Irel. in Holinshed (1587) II. 85/1 It hath plesed some of your pufellows to report that I am a professed enimie to all nobilitie, & namelie to the Geraldines. 1533 More Debell. Salem Wks. 948/2 The frere, that as he was preaching in the country, spyed a poore wyfe of the paryshe whyspering wyth her pewfellow. 1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue 44 b, Fayne would they their toyes were pewefellowes with the sacred truth of God. a 1600 Hooker Eccl. Pol. vi. iv. §10 To please their pew-fellows, the disciples of Novatian. 1630 Massinger Picture iii. iv, If you spend this way too much of your royal stock, Ere long we may be puefellows. 1673 Lady's Call. i. v. §48 These sit down to talk and laugh with their Pew-fellows [in church]. |