[f. as prec. + -ISM.] The system of allowing the unrestricted currency of two metals (e.g., gold and silver) at a fixed ratio to each other, as coined money.
1876. H. Cernuschi, Silver Vind., 9. The Anglo-Indian exchange, thanks to French bi-metallism, would still be at its old level.
1881. Times, 7 May, 13/5. If bi-metallism is adopted, the ratio of gold and silver apparently should be 1 to 151/2.
