brass farthing

British  

noun

1. informal something of little or no value

   his opinion isn't worth a brass farthing

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Etymology

Origin of brass farthing

C18: probably coined when farthings were first minted in bronze rather than silver

Example Sentences

“So far, no one has actually parted with a brass farthing as far as I can tell.”

From New York Times • May 20, 2012

But let be, it will not break my heart if he gives you this fair country maid for your daughter, who has not—so I have heard—so much as a brass farthing to call her own.'

From Penshurst Castle In the Days of Sir Philip Sidney by Marshall, Emma

Does your sister Marion care a brass farthing for Jack's misfortunes, or does he feel a bit elated about her going to marry a viscount?

From The Bramleighs of Bishop's Folly by Lever, Charles James

I warn you, sir, that if the play comes on the stage to-morrow evening, I shall not value my own life at a brass farthing.

From The Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi Volume the Second by Gozzi, Count Carlo

“It’s pretty safe odds to lay one’s head against a brass farthing as to where the woman went, though, I reckon,” said Petrie, stroking his chin.

From Cleek of Scotland Yard Detective Stories by Hanshew, Thomas W.