halfpenny

Meanings

Noun

• (plural: halfpennies) A discontinued British coin worth half of one penny (old or new).
• (plural: halfpence) A quantity of money worth half a penny.

Adjective

• Costing or worth one halfpenny.

Origin

• From the Middle English halpeni, either from the late-Old English halpenige or from half + peni; equivalent to half + penny and continually reinforced by that surface analysis.