noun
or bau·bee ˈbȧ(ˌ)bē, ˈbȯ- ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷
( -s )
Etymology: probably after Alexander Orrok, laird of Sille bawbe, appointed mintmaster 1538
1. : an old Scottish billon coin issued by James V and Mary, Queen of Scots, at three halfpence
2. : a Scottish copper coin worth sixpence issued by Charles II and William III
3. : a unit of value equivalent to a bawbee coin
half- bawbee coins were made
4. : an English halfpenny
5. : something of small value : trifle
no Scotsman who can write worth a bawbee is ever quite happy until he has done a book about his glorious native tipple — Clifton Fadiman