bawbee

American  

[baw-bee, baw-bee] / bɔˈbi, ˈbɔ bi /

noun

1. an old Scottish bullion coin, originally worth about three halfpence of English coin, later sixpence.

2. a halfpenny.

3. anything of little value.

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bawbee British  

/ bɔːˈbiː /

noun

1. a former Scottish silver coin

2. an informal word for halfpenny

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Etymology

Origin of bawbee

First recorded in 1535–45; named after Alexander Orok, 16th-century mintmaster, laird of Sille bawby

Example Sentences

The tin pot was nicked and never seen again, melted down for bawbees.

From The Guardian

Now's the day, much more the night, For stickin' to your bawbees tight!

From Project Gutenberg

But it's a verra curious thing to me, and I don't care a bawbee about the sound.

From Project Gutenberg

“Put up your bawbees,” he said at length.

From Project Gutenberg

This only increased the crowd, and no beggars in Cairo ever yelled for backsheesh as did those boys for “bawbees.”

From Project Gutenberg