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farthing

noun far·thing \ ˈfär-t͟hiŋ \

Definition of farthing

1 a :a former British monetary unit equal to ¹/₄ of a penny

b :a coin representing this unit

2 :something of small value :mite

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Recent Examples of farthing from the Web

New claims will arise; women will demand the vote; lads from 12 to 21 will think their rights not enough attended to; and every man who has not a farthing, will demand an equal voice with any other, in all acts of state.

— lorraine boissoneault, Smithsonian, "Artifacts Show the Sometimes-Violent Nature of American Democracy," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'farthing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of farthing

Middle English ferthing, from Old English fēorthung (akin to Middle High German vierdunc fourth part), from Old English fēortha fourth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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FARTHING Defined for English Language Learners

farthing

noun

Definition of farthing for English Language Learners

: a former British coin that had a value equal to 1/4 of a penny

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Britannica English: Translation of farthing for Arabic speakers

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