pistareen

American  

[pis-tuh-reen] / ˌpɪs təˈrin /

noun

1. peseta.

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adjective

1. of little value or worth.

pistareen British  

/ ˌpɪstəˈriːn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of pistareen

1735–45, perhaps alteration of Spanish peseta peseta

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pistareen

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

From Customs and Fashions in Old New England by Earle, Alice Morse

He's nothing but a pistareen, and hardly that.

From Wreaths of Friendship A Gift for the Young by Woodworth, Francis C. (Francis Channing)

Mr. Emerson becomes equally flippant and irreverent when he speaks of a "pistareen Providence."

From Lessons in Life A Series of Familiar Essays by Titcomb, Timothy

There are a great many folks in the world who, like this pistareen, pass themselves off, or try to pass themselves off, for more than their real value.

From Wreaths of Friendship A Gift for the Young by Woodworth, Francis C. (Francis Channing)

These passed by such names as the Joe or Johannes, the doubloon, pistole, moidore, guinea, crown, dollar, shilling, sixpence, pistareen, penny.

From A Brief History of the United States by McMaster, John Bach