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OBOLUS

Volume 13 · 73 words · 1797 Edition

an ancient silver money of Athens, the sixth part of a drachma; worth somewhat more than a penny. penny-farthing Sterling.—The word comes from the Greek ὀξύς, or ὀξύτης, "spit, or broach;" either because it bore such an impression; or because, according to Eustathius, it was in form thereof. But those now in the cabinets of the antiquaries are round.

in medicine, is used for a weight of ten grains, or half a scruple.