Grosso

/ˈɡrɒs.oʊ/ noun

Definition

A large medieval Italian or Mediterranean silver coin, or a unit of weight for precious metals and spices.

Etymology

Italian 'grosso', from Latin 'grossus' (thick, large), originally referring to the coin's substantial weight compared to smaller contemporary denominations.

Kelly Says

When Italian merchants traded with northern Europe, they brought these hefty coins along—'grosso' became 'groschen' in German and influenced the English word 'grocer' forever!

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