arch. A trusty person, an honest fellow (compared to a coin of genuine metal); as adj. true, genuine. colloq.
1589. Hay any Work, A ij b. You haue shewed reuerende Martin to be truepenie in deede.
1595. Enq. Tripe-wife (1881), 152. Mother Messingham, the old true peny for trimming of a Tripe.
1602. Shaks., Ham., I. v. 150. Art thou there truepenny?
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, True-penny, s. Generally, ‘Old True-penny,’… hearty old fellow; staunch and trusty; true to his purpose or pledge.
attrib. 1906. Westm. Gaz., 26 May, 4/2. I send you a way to Spain With a catch in your ears from London, a truepenny pavement strain.
