Sterling

Part of speech: noun (n.)

Same as Starling, 3.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Any English coin of standard value; coined money. So that ye offer nobles or sterlings. Chaucer. And Roman wealth in English sterling view. Arbuthnot.

2. A certain standard of quality or value for money. Sterling was the known and approved standard in England, in all probability, from the beginning of King Henry the Second's reign. S. M. Leake.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. Belonging to, or relating to, the standard British money of account, or the British coinage; as, a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling; -- now chiefly applied to the lawful money of England; but sterling cost, sterling value, are used. "With sterling money." Shak.

2. Genuine; pure; of excellent quality; conforming to the highest standard; of full value; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling good sense.