obol

[ ob-uh l ]

/ ˈɒb əl /

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

Nearby words

First recorded in 1660–70; see origin at obolus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Thy aim was lettuces; they are worth an obol, they are not worth a talent.
The Teaching of Epictetus|Epictetus
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
The obol referred to is the small coin placed between the lips of the dead to pay the toll to the ferryman of Hades.
Love, Worship and Death|Rennell Rodd
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

ancient Greek small coin and weight, 1660s, from Latin obolus, from Greek obolos, identical with obelos "a spit, needle." From the original shape.