bawbee

[ baw-bee, baw-bee ]

noun

1. an old Scottish bullion coin, originally worth about three halfpence of English coin, later sixpence.
2. a halfpenny.
3. anything of little value.

bawbee

/ bɔːˈbiː /

noun

1. a former Scottish silver coin
2. an informal word for halfpenny

Word History and Origins

Origin of bawbee¹

First recorded in 1535–45; named after Alexander Orok, 16th-century mintmaster, laird of Sille bawby

Word History and Origins

Origin of bawbee¹

C16: named after Alexander Orok of Sillebawby , master of the mint

Example Sentences

The tin pot was nicked and never seen again, melted down for bawbees.

From The Guardian

Now's the day, much more the night, For stickin' to your bawbees tight!

From Project Gutenberg

It is a mistake to believe that a Scotchman sets a greater value upon his "bawbee" than an Englishman upon his shilling or an American upon his dollar.

From Project Gutenberg

But it's a verra curious thing to me, and I don't care a bawbee about the sound.

From Project Gutenberg

“Put up your bawbees,” he said at length.

From Project Gutenberg