obolus

[ ob-uh-luhs ]

noun

, plural ob·o·li [ob, -, uh, -lahy].

1. a modern Greek unit of weight equal to 0.1 gram.
2. obole.

obolus

/ ˈɒbələs; ˈɒbɒl /

noun

1. a modern Greek unit of weight equal to one tenth of a gram
2. a silver coin of ancient Greece worth one sixth of a drachma

Word History and Origins

Origin of obolus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek obolós small coin, weight

Word History and Origins

Origin of obolus¹

C16: via Latin from Greek obolos small coin, nail; related to obelos spit, variant of obelus

Example Sentences

No spirit is allowed to enter the leaky craft until he has first paid Charon the fee of a small coin called the obolus.

From Project Gutenberg

The familiar figure of Belisarius begging an obolus is scarce more painful.

From Project Gutenberg

What internal evidence does the Odyssey afford, that Homer sold his Trojan war-ballads at three yards an obolus?

From Project Gutenberg

The story says he fastened a label to his hat, containing these words, "Give an obolus to poor old Belisarius."

From Project Gutenberg

Formerly my sickles would not have sold at an obolus apiece; to-day I am being paid fifty drachmae for every one.

From Project Gutenberg