I. ˈstər-liŋ noun
Etymology: Middle English, silver penny, probably from Old English * steorling, from Old English steorra star + -ling (I) — more at star
Date: 14th century
1. : British money
2. : sterling silver or articles of it
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : of, relating to, or calculated in terms of British sterling
b. : payable in sterling
2.
a. of silver : having a fixed standard of purity usually defined legally as represented by an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper
b. : made of sterling silver
3. : conforming to the highest standard
sterling character
a sterling record of achievement
• ster·ling·ly adverb
• ster·ling·ness noun