stiver

American  

[stahy-ver] / ˈstaɪ vər /

noun

1. Also stuiver a former nickel coin of the Netherlands, equal to five Dutch cents.

2. the smallest possible amount.

   not worth a stiver; not a stiver of work.

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stiver British  

/ ˈstaɪvə /

noun

1. a former Dutch coin worth one twentieth of a guilder

2. a small amount, esp of money

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Etymology

Origin of stiver

First recorded in 1495–1505, stiver is from the Dutch word stuiver

Example Sentences

Behind her was a background of the stiver sea.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

"I should have to confess that I haven't a blessed stiver," said Leslie grimly.

From A Traitor's Wooing by Hill, Headon

I have not a guinea, thanks to the cards, not a stiver in my rooms to-night.

From Parson Kelly by Lang, Andrew

Shoe, shoe my little horse, To-morrow it will be frosty: Then will horse-shoes be dear, Two will cost a stiver.

From Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales A Sequel to the Nursery Rhymes of England by Halliwell-Phillipps, J. O. (James Orchard)

We ain’t none of us got a stiver, that’s wot’s the matter with us.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XV by Stevenson, Robert Louis