halfpennyworth

English

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /hɛɪpnɪˈwəθ/

Noun

halfpennyworth (plural halfpennyworths) (abbreviation ha'p'orth)

  1. (Britain) As much as could be bought for a halfpenny (pre- or post-decimalisation).
  2. (Britain, informal) A negligible amount.
    he's never been a ha'p'orth of bother

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
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