Definition of "half-sovereign" [half-sovereign]

• A British gold coin worth 10 shillings, and weighing about 61,6372 grains troy. See sovereign. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "They possess neither conscience nor sentiment, and they will kill for a half-sovereign, without fear or favour, if they are given but half a chance."
• "He is very severe upon ‘the pampered minion of fortune,’ who refused him the half-sovereign referred to in the enclosure number two — but he knows me better."
• "Once, a lady gave her a half-sovereign, which was a source of great pain and anxiety to Goody Twoshoes."