threepenny

[ thrip-uh-nee, threp-, thruhp-; three-pen-ee ]

adjective

1. of the amount or value of threepence.
2. of little worth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of threepenny¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; three, penny

Example Sentences

Jo managed to get next to the driver and extracted a deal of information at the expense of a threepenny tip.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a good-natured and honest man, though he did take bribes--from a threepenny bit up to a crown piece inclusive.

From Project Gutenberg

He does about three shillings' worth of labour for a bed whose only virtue is cleanliness, and about threepenny worth of food.

From Project Gutenberg

Egad, I was born under a threepenny planet, never to be worth a groat.

From Project Gutenberg

I then asked for a threepenny loaf, and was told they had none.

From Project Gutenberg