sixpence

[siks-puh ns] /ˈsɪks pəns/
noun, plural sixpence, sixpences for 2.
1.
(used with a singular or plural verb) British. a sum of six pennies.
2.
(used with a singular verb) a cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom, the half of a shilling, formerly equal to six pennies: equal to two and one-half new pence after decimalization in 1971.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English sexe pans. See six, pence
Examples from the web for sixpence
  • If you are not found out, you shall have a present of seven-and-sixpence to start life with as a lady in a shop.
  • And then don't forget farthings, sixpence and guineas.
  • The devout works in the study were jumbled with seven pamphlets valued at sixpence.
British Dictionary definitions for sixpence

sixpence

/ˈsɪkspəns/
noun
1.
a small British cupronickel coin with a face value of six pennies, worth 21/2 (new) pence, not minted since 1970
Word Origin and History for sixpence
n.

late 14c., "sum of six pennies," from six + pence. As a specific British coin, from 1590s. Sixpenny (adj.) had a figurative sense "paltry, cheap, petty, worthless" by 1560s; sixpenny nails (early 15c.) cost so much per hundred.