pacifist one who is opposed to the use of force under any circumstances; specifically, one who refuses for reasons of conscience to participate in war or any military action.
pedagogical of or characteristic of teachers or of teaching.
Peter Lorre (1904–1964) Hungarian by birth, he was a recognizable character actor and movie star in several countries, including the United States.
pimpy-looking resembling a man who is an agent for a prostitute or prostitutes and lives off their earnings.
polo coat a loose-fitting overcoat made of camel's hair or some such fabric.
prince a fine, generous, helpful fellow.
Princeton a prestigious university in Princeton, New Jersey; part of the Ivy League, a group of colleges in the northeastern United States forming a league for intercollegiate sports and other activities.
prostitute to sell (oneself, one's artistic or moral integrity, etc.) for low or unworthy purposes; here, one who compromises principle for money.
Quaker a member of the Society of Friends, a Christian denomination founded in England (circa 1650) by George Fox; the Friends have no formal creed, rites, liturgy, or priesthood, and reject violence in human relations, including war. The term "Quaker" was originally derisive, aimed at the Friends because of Fox's admonition to "quake" at the word of the Lord.
qualms sudden feelings of uneasiness or doubt; misgivings; twinges of conscience.
racket any dishonest scheme or practice.
Radio City Music Hall a Manhattan theater featuring films and stage shows, including a lavish Christmas pageant.
rake an immoral , corrupt, depraved man.
ratty shabby or run-down.
Ring Lardner (1885–1933) U.S. sports reporter and humorist.
Robert Burns (1759–1796) Scottish poet.
Rockettes dancers at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, known for their chorus-line precision.
rubbering short for rubbernecking, meaning to look at things or gaze about in curiosity.
rubbernecks people who stretch their necks or turn their heads to gaze about in curiosity.
rye a hardy cereal grass, widely grown for its grain and straw.
