STERLING, a. probably from Easterling.
1. An epithet by which English money of account is distinguished as a pound sterling a shilling sterling a penny sterling. It is not now applied to the coins of England but sterling cost, sterling value are used.
2. Genuine pure of excellent quality as a work of sterling merit a man of sterling wit or good sense.
STERLING, n.
1. English money.
And Roman wealth in English sterling view.
In this use, sterling may signify English coins.
2. Standard rate. Little used in either sense.