peshwa (pesh wa)

[Mahratti, a leader, guide.] Among the Mahrattas, originally, a chief minister; later, the chief or prince of the Mahrattas. The last of the peshwas surrendered to Sir John Malcolm in 1817. Also peish wah. Brougham, It subsequently pa ed into the hands of the rajas of Satara and then the peshwás . Encyc. Brit., XXIV. 743. The minister (or Peishwah ) of the king of the Mahrattas has become the hereditary sovereign. peshwa ship (pesh'wä-ship), n. [ peshwa + -ship .] The office or dignity of a peshwa. En cyc. Brit ., XV. 291. peskily (pes'ki-li), adv . Annoyingly; hence, very; extremely, in a bad sense. [Colloq., U.S.] pesky (pes'ki), a . [Perhaps a var. of * pesty ( pest + -yl). Cf. the reverse relation of nasty for nasky ; cf. also perk2 and pert1 , etc.] Troublesome; annoying; plaguy. [Colloq., U.S.]