hearth money

noun

1
: peter's pence
2
: a 17th century English tax of two shillings on hearths in all houses paying the church and poor rates

called also chimney money

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hearth money was in 1660

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Dictionary Entries Near hearth money

hearthless

hearth money

hearth-penny

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Hearth money.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearth%20money. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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