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

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

The logical sequence of disbelief in what Mr. Emerson calls a "pistareen Providence" is a belief in pantheism or polytheism.

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)

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

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

A pistareen was a Spanish coin worth about seventeen cents.

From Diary of Anna Green Winslow A Boston School Girl of 1771 by Winslow, Anna Green