obol

American  

[ob-uhl] / ˈɒb əl /

noun

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

2. obole.

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Etymology

Origin of obol

First recorded in 1660–70; obolus

Example Sentences

Were the Ptolemies in essence colonial occupiers and exploiters, bent on wringing the last drachma and obol from a captive land regardless of the consequences?

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

"I only bring a funeral garland for my son," she said, "but instead of the obol, he shall take a kiss from the lips of his mother."

From Historical Miniatures by Strindberg, August

Not an obol they'll get as their loot, not an obol! while we have the treasure-chest in our command.

From Lysistrata by Aristophanes

He wearied her with presents of jewellery and costly dresses, though, as he quietly remarked to Agias, the gifts meant no more of sacrifice to him than an obol to a rich spendthrift.

From A Friend of Caesar A Tale of the Fall of the Roman Republic. Time, 50-47 B.C. by Davis, William Stearns

An Asiatic sailor clamoured at the money-changer’s stall for another obol in change for a Persian daric.

From A Victor of Salamis by Davis, William Stearns