Eightpenny

/ˈeɪtˌpɛni/ adjective

Definition

Describing something that costs or is worth eight pence, or referring to a size of nail that is eight pennies in weight.

Etymology

From 'eight' plus 'penny', referring to the old British currency system. In nails, the 'd' abbreviation (from Latin 'denarius') was used: 8d meant eightpenny.

Kelly Says

Hardware stores still list nails as 'eightpenny' or '8d' because this medieval pricing system stuck around—it's one of the few places where ancient weights-and-measures still survive!

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