three-halfpence

noun

plural three-halfpence or three-halfpences
1
: the sum of three halfpence : a penny and a half
2
: a small English silver coin of Queen Elizabeth I (16th century) worth 1¹/₂ pennies
also : a silver coin struck in the 19th century under William IV and Queen Victoria for the colonies

Word History

Etymology

Middle English threhalpenys, from three, thre three + halpenys, halfpenys, plural of halpeny, halfpeny, halfpenny

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Dictionary Entries Near three-halfpence

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Cite this Entry

“Three-halfpence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-halfpence. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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