obolus

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

From Latin obolus, from Ancient Greek ὀβολός (obolós), from ὀβελός (obelós). Doublet of obole and pul.

Not every one is a Seneca, and I cannot afford the sacrifice; should the noble Vinicius, however, wish to give something, on account of that sum which he promised--” “Not an obolus, Chilo!” said Petronius, “not an obolus. — Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero, Henryk Sienkiewicz
The speaker dipped his hand over the side and brought it up all shining but not dripping, and touched his lips with it, and went on, smiling: "Besides, if you and I are alive, where are our golden boughs, and if we're dead, where are our oboli? — That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day, Richard Dehan
We owe nothing to our enemies; and let me give you a piece of advice; take care of yourself, Monsieur d’Artagnan, for from the moment I withdraw my hand from behind you, I would not give an obolus for your life.” “I will try to do so, monseigneur,” replied the Gascon, with a noble confidence. — The three musketeers, Alexandre Dumas

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