PETER, professor of canon law in the university of Bononia, in Italy, was descended from the earls of Fife in Scotland, and born in that county in the reign of James V. He was educated at St Andrews: from thence he removed to Paris; and, having spent some time in that university, proceeded to Bononia, where he commenced doctor of laws, and was afterwards appointed professor of canon law. He continued in that honourable employment several years with great reputation, and died in the year 1568. He is said to have been not only a learned civilian, but an excellent poet, orator, and philosopher. Patricii Bissati opera omnia, viz. poemata, orationes, lectiones ferialies, &c. Lib. de irregularitate, &c. were published at Venice in 1565, 4to.