bawbee

American  

[baw-bee, baw-bee] / bɔˈbi, ˈbɔ bi /

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.

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bawbee British  

/ bɔːˈbiː /

noun

1. a former Scottish silver coin

2. an informal word for halfpenny

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Etymology

Origin of bawbee

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

Example Sentences

“Ef I had a bawbee for every one o’ the creatures I’ve heard howl I’d nae doot be fixed for life,” The McNab assured them.

From Phil Bradley's Snow-shoe Trail The Mountain Boys in the Canada Wilds by Boone, Silas K.

That was Dandie’s way; a kiss and a comfit to Jenny—a bawbee and my blessing to Jill—and good-night to the whole clan of ye, my dears!

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. XIX (of 25) The Ebb-Tide; Weir of Hermiston by Stevenson, Robert Louis

We desire to get the worth of our bawbee.

From The Idler Magazine, Volume III., July 1893 An Illustrated Monthly by Various

As for the letters at the post-mistress's, as they ca' her, down by yonder, they may bide in her shop-window, wi' the snaps and bawbee rows, till Beltane, or I loose them.

From St. Ronan's Well by Scott, Walter, Sir

You will each of you give a silver crown piece; that, and not a bawbee over it.

From A Reconstructed Marriage by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston