halfpennyworth

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English halpenyworth; equivalent to halfpenny +‎ worth; compare Old English healfpeniġweorþ. === Pronunciation === (British) IPA(key): /ˈheɪpnɪwəθ/, /ˈheɪpəθ/ === Noun === halfpennyworth (plural halfpennyworths) (contraction ha'p'orth) (British, historical) As much as could be bought for a halfpenny (pre- or post-decimalisation). Coordinate terms: pennyworth, tuppence worth (British, informal) A negligible amount. Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; see also Thesaurus:modicum he's never been a ha'p'orth of bother (British, informal) One's opinion or thoughts on a matter. Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; (US origin) two cents, two cents' worth ==== 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