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halfpennyworth. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
halfpennyworth, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
halfpennyworth in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
halfpennyworth you have here. The definition of the word
halfpennyworth will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Etymology
From Middle English halpenyworth; equivalent to halfpenny + worth; compare Old English healfpeniġweorþ.
Pronunciation
Noun
halfpennyworth (plural halfpennyworths) (contraction ha'p'orth)
- (British, historical) As much as could be bought for a halfpenny (pre- or post-decimalisation).
- Coordinate terms: pennyworth, tuppence worth
- (British, informal) A negligible amount.
- Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; see also Thesaurus:modicum
- he's never been a ha'p'orth of bother
- (British, informal) One's opinion or thoughts on a matter.
- Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; (US origin) two cents, two cents' worth
Usage notes
- Also used in combination with larger amounts, as in "twopence halfpennyworth" (said "tuppence ha'penny's worth" and equal to as much as could be bought for two and a half pence).
References
- New Oxford American Dictionary