any of various former minor coins issued by German states.
a former copper coin of Austria, one 100th of a florin.
First recorded in 1540–50; from German Kreuzer, equivalent to Kreuz “cross” (originally the device on the coin; see cross) + -er noun suffix ( see -er 1)
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She has but a pittance left, so she puts into his hand twelve kreutzer, and a rusty old coin, as a pocketpiece.
From History of Rationalism Embracing a Survey of the Present State of Protestant Theology by Hurst, J. F. (John Fletcher)
Indeed, on one occasion, when he received a larger sum than usual, he drove up in a carriage with two comrades, and the three were not content until the last kreutzer had been spent.
From Waldfried A Novel by Auerbach, Berthold
From this decision the Emperor stood apart, with Bavaria and Salzburg, in putting the Reichs thaler at 96 kreutzer.
From The History of Currency, 1252 to 1896 by Shaw, William Arthur
He really could not understand it, for the charges were extremely moderate, not a kreutzer higher than at other Tyrolean inns where not a delicacy was to be had.
From Too Rich A Romance by Streckfuss, Adolph
After a moment's thought he drew out his pocket-knife, set the blade upon the kreutzer, and striking it with a hammer that was lying there, cut the coin in half.
From Fairy Tales From all Nations by Montalba, Anthony R.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
