pistareen

[pis-tuh-reen]

noun

1. peseta.

adjective

1. of little value or worth.

pistareen

/ ˌpɪstəˈriːn /

noun

1. a Spanish coin, used in the US and the West Indies until the 18th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistareen¹

1735–45, perhaps alteration of Spanish peseta peseta

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistareen¹

C18: perhaps changed from _peseta

Example Sentences

Pistareen, pis-ta-rēn′, n. in West Indies, the peseta.

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Ab Hart," said Smith, "when you came to me, you was so green you could hardly tell a crossed quarter from a bogus pistareen—the 'run of the till' you learnt in a week, while in less than a month you was the best hand at 'knocking down' I ever met!

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You know, or you ought to know, the difference between a pistareen and a smooth-faced shilling.

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A white sea bear appeared in the port of Pollard's Tavern and could be seen for half a pistareen.

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Many were so worn that a pistareen would bring only a Yankee shilling, sixteen and two-thirds cents; the half-pistareen, only eight cents; the real, ten; the half-real, five.

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