obol

[ ob-uh l ]
/ ˈɒb əl /

noun

a silver coin of ancient Greece, the sixth part of a drachma.

Origin of obol

First recorded in 1660–70; see origin at obolus

Example sentences from the Web for obol

  • Thy aim was lettuces; they are worth an obol, they are not worth a talent.

  • Six years ago to-day it was I came to Rome, with barely an obol of ready money, to make my fortune by my wits.

    A Friend of Caesar |William Stearns Davis
  • The obol referred to is the small coin placed between the lips of the dead to pay the toll to the ferryman of Hades.

    Love, Worship and Death |Rennell Rodd
  • Shall the favourite of the gods—shall the guest of Hypatia—earn his breakfast, while I have an obol to share with him?

    Hypatia |Charles Kingsley