obol

[ ob-uhl ]

noun
  1. a silver coin of ancient Greece, the sixth part of a drachma.

Origin of obol

1
First recorded in 1660–70; see origin at obolus

Words Nearby obol

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use obol in a sentence

  • Then they were called obol, a word of obscure etymology, or inia, which signifies sticking up or standing erect.

  • The obol referred to is the small coin placed between the lips of the dead to pay the toll to the ferryman of Hades.

  • Thy aim was lettuces; they are worth an obol, they are not worth a talent.

  • Six years ago to-day it was I came to Rome, with barely an obol of ready money, to make my fortune by my wits.

    A Friend of Caesar | William Stearns Davis
  • Shall the favourite of the gods—shall the guest of Hypatia—earn his breakfast, while I have an obol to share with him?

    Hypatia | Charles Kingsley