Penny /(pĕn"ny̆)/
Pen·ny
Penny
a.
- Denoting the weight in pounds for one thousand; -- used in combination, with respect to nails; as, tenpenny nails, nails of which one thousand weight ten pounds.
Penny
n.
pl. Pennies, Pence
- A former English coin, originally of copper, then of bronze, the twelfth part of an English shilling in account value, and equal to four farthings, or about two cents; -- usually indicated by the abbreviation d. (the initial of denarius).
- Any small sum or coin; a groat; a stiver.
-
Money, in general; as, to turn an honest penny.
What penny hath Rome borne, What men provided, what munition sent?
- See Denarius. (Script.)
Phrases & Compounds
- Penny cress
- an annual herb of the Mustard family, having round, flat pods like silver pennies (Thlaspi arvense). Also spelled pennycress.
- Penny dog
- a kind of shark found on the South coast of Britain: the tope.
- Penny pincher
- a penurious person; a miser; a niggard. The latter phrase is now obsolete.
- Penny grass
- pennyroyal.
- Penny post
- a post carrying a letter for a penny; also, a mail carrier.
- Penny wise
- wise or prudent only in small matters; saving small sums while losing larger; penny-wise; -- used chiefly in the phrase, penny wise and pound foolish.
Penny
a.
- Worth or costing one penny; as, penny candy.