pistareen

[ pis-tuh-reen ]

noun

peseta (def. 2).

adjective

of little value or worth.

Origin of pistareen

1735–45, Americanism; perhaps alteration of Spanish pesetapeseta

Words Nearby pistareen

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pistareen in a sentence

A white sea bear appeared in the port of Pollard's Tavern and could be seen for half a pistareen.
Customs and Fashions in Old New England | Alice Morse Earle
You know, or you ought to know, the difference between a pistareen and a smooth-faced shilling.
Daughters of the Revolution and Their Times | Charles Carleton Coffin
It was sold at market for one shilling; and I have known a cargo purchased at a pistareen.
Novanglus, and Massachusettensis | John Adams

British Dictionary definitions for pistareen

pistareen

/ (ˌpɪstəˈriːn) /

noun

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

Origin of pistareen

C18: perhaps changed from peseta

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse