maravedi
noun/mæɹəˈveɪdi/
Etymology From Spanish maravedí, from Arabic مُرَابِطِين (murābiṭīn), an inflected plural of مُرَابِط (murābiṭ, “holy man”), the name of the Almoravid rulers of Muslim Spain during the 12th century. Compare marabout.
1
Historical A former Spanish coin and unit of currency, originally issued in gold but later in silver and copper, discontinued in 1848.
- an thou dost go on to put thy filthy lucre in the balance with thy daughter’s life and honour, by Heaven, I will strip thee of every maravedi thou hast in the world, before three days are out!1819, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe:
2
Figuratively A very small quantity or value; the least possible amount.
- I think I know myself; I am not prone to suspicion; but for those strange words, I should not have cared a maravedi for her painting that cursed flower.1836, Joanna Baillie, The Alienated Manor, act 1, page 160: