@eschwartz---
As strong as the temptation is to simply change the words, when it comes to the second example, that is NOT a simple change. It reverberates through the following three paragraphs, and no, I can't change the word "peck" to "chin". (OR to "nose") ---
Quote:
Philip, now laid across the knees of the Pretenderette (a most undignified attitude for any boy, and I hope none of you may be placed in such a position), screamed as the cage struck the water, and, ‘Oh, Polly!’ he cried.
‘All right,’ the parrot answered; ‘keep your pecker up!
‘What did it say?’ the Pretenderette asked.
‘Something about peck,’ said Philip upside down.
‘Ah!’ said the Pretenderette with satisfaction, ‘he won’t do any more pecking for some time to come.’
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This does put a different complexion on the matter, does it not? Which is why I really can't think of a graceful way to change the wording...