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

As to that perennial favourite, the bawbee or halfpenny, nothing need be said.

From Bygone Church Life in Scotland by Various

But they may cash his bills that will; I ken ane that will never advance a bawbee on ony paper that has John Mowbray either on the back or front of it.

From St. Ronan's Well by Scott, Walter, Sir

The doctor tell't us that my faither had just come to the warst, and that it was just the toss up o' a bawbee whether he lived or died.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 12 by Various

"Quo' he, Ilk cream-fac'd pawky chiel Thought he was cunning as the diel, And here they cam' awa to steal Jenny's bawbee."

From Notes and Queries, Number 179, April 2, 1853. A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc by Bell, George

There's your plack, and my plack, An' your plack, an' my plack, An' my plack, an' your plack, An' Jenny's bawbee.

From Notes and Queries, Number 179, April 2, 1853. A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc by Bell, George