ninepence

[ nahyn-pens, -puhns ]

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) British. nine pennies.
2. a former shilling of Great Britain, issued under Elizabeth I for use in Ireland, debased so that it was used in England as a ninepenny piece.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ninepence¹

First recorded in 1540–50; nine + pence

Example Sentences

One-and-ninepence, sir, or your things will be taken away from you!

From Project Gutenberg

One-and-Ninepence, sir, or the things which you have brought with you will be taken away from you!

From Project Gutenberg

Better than ninepence, and finding your own cotton and sewing-silk.

From Project Gutenberg

I get ninepence; some of the women only get sevenpence halfpenny.

From Project Gutenberg

Many a girl works there and has no more than one and ninepence to take home at the end of the week.'

From Project Gutenberg