easterling

1 of 2

noun (1)

east·​er·​ling

ˈēstərliŋ -təl-,

-tᵊl-

plural -s

: a native of a country eastward of another

—used especially of German merchants from Baltic cities who traded in England or competed with the English in foreign ports

easterling

2 of 2

noun (2)

"

plural -s

1

or easterling penny : a medieval English silver coin

2

: the weight of an easterling : pennyweight : ¹/₂₀ ounce

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English esterling, from ester, estern eastern + -ling

Noun (2)

alteration (influenced by easterling entry 1) of sterling; from a belief that it was coined by german merchants from Baltic cities

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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