A Dutch penny. The word, found in English writers, 1527–1705, obtained a footing in America through the Dutch occupation of New York.
1657. In 1657 they [the seawant, wampum beads] were publicly reduced from 6 to 8 for a stuyver, which is twopence.—Watson, ‘Historic Tales of New York,’ p. 35 (1832).
1801.
| Except imported desperadoes, | |
| Bog trotters, noted for bravadoes, | |
| And vagabonds, not worth a stiver, | |
| With now and then a negro driver. | |
‘Spirit of the Farmers’ Museum,’ p. 43. |
1846. Mr. Crittenden of Kentucky would stand on the ninth part of a hair,—he would not vote a cent, not a stiver.—U.S. Senate, Jan. 28: Cong. Globe, p. 262.
1850. I hope that Congress will refuse to appropriate a stiver to this object at the present time.—Mr. Pearce of Maryland, the same, Sept. 28: id., p. 2055.
1855. They would slit his weasand before they would let him have a stiver.—W. G. Simms, ‘The Forayers,’ p. 72 (N.Y.).
1867.
| “There ’s fourteen foot and over,” says the driver, | |
| “Worth twenty dollars, ef it ’s worth a stiver.” | |
Lowell, ‘Fitz-Adam’s Story,’ Atlantic Monthly, January. |
