farthing

English

/ˈfɑː(ɹ).ðɪŋ/

noun
Definitions
  • (historical) Former British unit of currency worth one-quarter of an old penny; or a coin representing this.
  • (figurative) A very small quantity or value; the least possible amount.
  • (obsolete) A division of land.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English ferthing inherited from Old English fēorþing inherited from Proto-Germanic *fedurþungaz (a quarter) affix from English fourth#English + English fourth.

Origin

English

fourth

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

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Cognates and derived terms