Sixpence: meaning, definitions and examples
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sixpence
[ ˈsɪkspəns ]
money, currency
A sixpence is a coin that was used in the UK, worth six old pence. It was first minted in 1551 and continued to be in circulation until decimalization in 1971. The term can also refer to a sum of money equivalent to six pence.
Synonyms
coin, currency, half-shilling.
Examples of usage
- He found a sixpence on the street.
- The price of the item was only sixpence.
- She kept a sixpence in her purse for luck.
- They exchanged sixpence for services rendered.
Translations
Translations of the word "sixpence" in other languages:
🇵🇹 seis pence
🇮🇳 छह पेंस
🇩🇪 Sechspenning
🇮🇩 enam pence
🇺🇦 шестипенсовик
🇵🇱 sześć pensów
🇯🇵 シックスペンス
🇫🇷 sixpence
🇪🇸 seis peniques
🇹🇷 altı peni
🇰🇷 식스펜스
🇸🇦 ستة بنسات
🇨🇿 šest pencí
🇸🇰 šesť pencí
🇨🇳 六便士
🇸🇮 šest peni
🇮🇸 sex pence
🇰🇿 алты пенс
🇬🇪 ექვსი პენსი
🇦🇿 altı pens
🇲🇽 seis peniques
Etymology
The word 'sixpence' originates from the Old English 'six' (meaning six) and 'pence', which is the plural of 'penny' derived from the Latin 'denarius'. The coin itself was first introduced during the reign of King Henry VIII of England, establishing a new standard for currency at that time. Initially, the coin was made of silver and was part of the broader system of currency used in England prior to the adoption of the decimal system. It continued to circulate in various forms until it was eventually demonetized in 1980. The sixpence has cultural significance, often noted in folklore and tradition, representing good luck and prosperity, particularly when incorporated into wedding ceremonies where it is inserted into the bride's shoe as a good luck charm.