Farthing

Definitions

1. A quarter of any monetary unit or measure.
   archaic, historical
2. A surname.
3. Former British unit of currency worth one-quarter of an old penny; or a coin representing this.
   historical
4. A very small quantity or value; the least possible amount.
   figuratively
5. A division of land.
   obsolete

Equivalents

Examples

“"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."”

“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⟳.”

“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.”

“That period of infatuation was not unrelieved by a certain amount of self-introspection on my part. I kept account of every farthing I spent, and my expenses were carefully calculated. Every little item such as omnibus fares or postage or a couple of coppers spent on newspapers, would be entered, and the balance struck every evening before going to bed. That habit has stayed with me ever since, and I know⟳ that as a result⟳, though I have⟳ had to handle⟳ public funds amounting to lakhs, I have⟳ succeeded in exercising strict economy in their disbursement, and instead of outstanding debts have⟳ had invariably a surplus balance in respect⟳ of all the movements I have⟳ led.”

CEFR level