red cent

noun

: penny
—used for emphasis in negative constructions

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red cent was in 1837

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red cent
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Cite this Entry

“Red cent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20cent. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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