† ˈpetty ˈgod, ˈpettigod Obs.
Also 6 petit God, petigod, petti-god, etc.
[f. petty a. + god.]
A minor or inferior deity, a demigod. So † ˌpettyˈgoddess.
| 1581 J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osor. 508 Renouncing the necessary helpes of pettygodds and pettygoddesses, intercession is made here onely vnto Christ. 1585 C. Fetherstone tr. Calvin on Acts viii. 13 This man, whom the Samaritans counted a petit God. 1600 J. Pory tr. Leo's Africa i. 39 They honour those doctours and priests,..as if they were petie-gods. 1610 Bp. Hall Apol. Brownists xlv, The maiestie of Romish petti-gods..was long agone, with Mithra and Serapis, exposed to the laughter of the vulgar. a 1716 Bp. O. Blackall Wks. (1723) I. 504 Putting up Prayers to the Saints departed, as to a sort of petty Gods in Heaven. |