take a pew

English

Alternative forms

• pull up a pew

Pronunciation

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Verb

take a pew (third-person singular simple present takes a pew, present participle taking a pew, simple past took a pew, past participle taken a pew)

1. (UK, idiomatic) To take a seat; to sit down.
   • 1903, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 16, in A Prefect's Uncle:

     There are many ways of inviting a person to seat himself. The genial ‘take a pew’ of one's equal inspires confidence. The raucous ‘sit down in front’ of the frenzied pit, when you stand up to get a better view of the stage, is not so pleasant.

   • 1904, John Galsworthy, chapter 18, in The Island Pharisees:

     "Oh!" he said, looking round him with his chin a little in the air, "am I intruding, Turl?" . . .
     "Not at all, Berryman—take a pew!"

   • 1919, William Somerset Maugham, chapter 11, in Moon and Sixpence:

     "Come in," he said cheerily. "I'm delighted to see you. Take a pew."

   • 1965, Ian Fleming, chapter 1, in The Man with the Golden Gun:

     "Come in. Come in. Take a pew. Cigarette?"

Usage notes

• Used chiefly in the imperative mood, as a casual invitation to be seated.