Farthing

Quick meaning: Farthing is a noun meaning (figurative) A very small quantity or value; the least possible amount.

Meaning

(figurative) A very small quantity or value; the least possible amount.

More Meanings

1. (historical, now rare) A quarter of any monetary unit or measure.
2. (historical) Former British unit of currency worth one-quarter of an old penny; or a coin representing this.
3. (obsolete) A division of land.

Example Sentences

I had never defrauded a man of a farthing, nor called him knave behind his back. But now the last rag that covered my nakedness had been torn from me. I was branded a blackleg, card-sharper, and murderer.

We must keep them to the fact that the duty is one and three quarter farthings, or nearly a half-penny in the pound and no more, and any one who tries to work it out any other way is not acting fairly in the matter.

"Nay, Heaven forbid, indeed," quoth Robin, "that I should take from such as thee, jolly fellow! Not so much as one farthing would I take from thee, for I love a fair Saxon face like thine right well—more especially when it cometh from Locksley Town, and most especially when the man that owneth it is to marry a bonny lass on Thursday next. But come, tell me for what price thou wilt sell me all of thy meat and thy horse and cart."

Word Forms

• farthings
• farthen

Synonyms for farthing

Depending on context, synonyms include jot, shred, whit.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include bicycle, uttermost, chuck, farthingdale, quartereen, minute.

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