English Explanatory Dictionary

farthing

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A quarter of any monetary unit or measure.
  2. Former British unit of currency worth one-quarter of an old penny; or a coin representing this.
  3. A very small quantity or value; the least possible amount.
  4. A division of land.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ˈfɑː(ɹ).ðɪŋ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-farthing.wav LL-Q1860 (eng)-Wodencafe-farthing.wav

Word forms

farthing farthings fourthing farthen

Etymology

From Middle English ferthing, from Old English fēorþing, fēorþung (“a quarter, fourth part, farthing”), from fēorþa (“fourth”), from Proto-Germanic *fedurþungaz (“a quarter”), probably influenced by Old Norse fjórðungr (“a fourth part, quarter”). Equivalent to fourth + -ing; compare English riding (“third part”).

Synonyms

jot shred whit

Related words

riding Farthing Street

Derived words

brass farthing chuck-farthing farthingdale farthing dip farthingland farthingless farthing loaf Farthing Street farthingsworth half farthing Harrington farthing nipfarthing not worth a brass farthing penny farthing pitch-farthing quarter farthing third farthing three farthings unofficial farthing
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