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fanam

noun fa·nam \ fəˈnäm \

Definition of fanam

plural -s
1 a :a small gold or silver coin formerly in widespread use in southern India
b :a silver coin of Travancore worth ¹/₈ of a rupee issued up until Indian independence in 1947
2 :a unit of value corresponding to a fanam

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Origin and Etymology of fanam

probably modification of Tamil panam, probably from Sanskrit paṇa bet, reward, wealth

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