fourpenny

[ fawr-pen-ee, -puh-nee, fohr- ]

adjective

1. Carpentry.
   1. noting a nail 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) long.
   2. noting certain fine nails 1.375 inches (3.5 centimeters) long. : 4d
2. British. of the amount or value of fourpence.

fourpenny

/ ˈfɔːpənɪ /

adjective

1. slang.
   a blow, esp with the fist

Word History and Origins

Origin of fourpenny¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English. See four, penny

Example Sentences

When I was a boy, such a thing was out of the question, as to each paper a fourpenny-halfpenny stamp was attached.

From Project Gutenberg

Leaving him I went in quest of a fourpenny lodging-house in the East End, and soon found one.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the "fourpenny doss," its discomforts are probably mainly owing to its inmates.

From Project Gutenberg

I went away a bit, thinking no more about it, and met a man I knew and we went into a public house and had a quart o' fourpenny.

From Project Gutenberg

The distribution took place "some years ago," when the fourpenny-piece was in circulation.

From Project Gutenberg