Sterling
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) A certain standard of quality or value for money.
(2): ( a.) 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.
(3): ( n.) Any English coin of standard value; coined money.
(4): ( n.) Same as Starling, 3.
(5): ( a.) 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.
King James Dictionary [2]
Sterling, a. probably from Easterling.
1. An epithet by which English money of account is distinguished as a pound sterling a shilling sterling a penny sterling. It is not now applied to the coins of England but sterling cost, sterling value are used. 2. Genuine pure of excellent quality as a work of sterling merit a man of sterling wit or good sense.
Sterling, n.
1. English money.
And Roman wealth in English sterling view.
In this use, sterling may signify English coins.
2. Standard rate. Little used in either sense.
