obolus

[ ob-uh-luhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural ob·o·li [ob, -, uh, -lahy].

obolus

/ ˈɒbələs; ˈɒbɒl /

Origin of obolus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek obolós small coin, weight

Origin of obolus¹

C16: via Latin from Greek obolos small coin, nail; related to obelos spit, variant of obelus

No spirit is allowed to enter the leaky craft until he has first paid Charon the fee of a small coin called the obolus.

The familiar figure of Belisarius begging an obolus is scarce more painful.

What internal evidence does the Odyssey afford, that Homer sold his Trojan war-ballads at three yards an obolus?

The story says he fastened a label to his hat, containing these words, "Give an obolus to poor old Belisarius."

Formerly my sickles would not have sold at an obolus apiece; to-day I am being paid fifty drachmae for every one.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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