threepence

[ thrip-uh ns, threp-, thruhp-; three-pens ]

/ ˈθrɪp əns, ˈθrɛp-, ˈθrʌp-; ˈθriˌpɛns /

(used with a singular or plural verb) British. a sum of three pennies.

a former cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom, a quarter of a shilling, equal to three pennies: use phased out after decimalization in 1971.

Also thrippence, thruppence.

Origin of threepence

First recorded in 1580–90; three + pence

Th' rent of our cottage is only one an' threepence an' it's like pullin' eye-teeth to get it.

The Secret Garden |Frances Hodgson Burnett
Seventy hens may be bought for a ducat, worth four or five shillings; and a goose may be had for less than threepence.

A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. I |Robert Kerr
You pay your threepence with a protest, and are thankful that you cannot see the passengers, who are laughing at you.

Picturesque Sketches of London, Past and Present |Thomas Miller
The members can get tea for threepence halfpenny and dinner for eightpence; and of course I was Louie Causton's guest.

The Debit Account |Oliver Onions

Threepence, to satisfy all the cravings of an excellent appetite!

All Sorts and Conditions of Men |Walter Besant