What does groat mean?
A groat was a silver coin that circulated in Britain from the medieval period into the early modern era and was worth four pence. Its name comes through Anglo-French and ultimately from a Latin word meaning “thick” or “large,” an early reference to the coin's substantial size. Although the coin has disappeared from everyday use, the word survives in historical writing, literature, and familiar expressions involving small or inadequate payment. In a story or period setting, a character might be described as receiving a groat, paying for lodging with one, or saying that something is not worth a groat. Today, mentioning a groat can add a vivid sense of age, economy, and monetary history, even when the precise historical details are not the main point.
nounA former silver coin worth four pence, especially one issued in medieval or early modern Britain. The word is now chiefly used in historical and literary contexts.
- A former silver coin worth four pence, especially one issued in medieval or early modern Britain.
"The merchant was paid a groat for each measure of grain."
"A groat could buy a substantial meal in sixteenth-century England."
"The old inn's sign displayed a groat as a reminder of its former trading prosperity."
The standard plural is “groats,” used when referring to multiple coins or amounts of four pence.
"The apprentices saved several groats before leaving the town."
A groat was once a silver coin worth four pence: “fourpence” with a silver past.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does groat come from?
The word entered Middle English through Anglo-French gros, a term for a large silver coin. Its ultimate source is Latin grossus, meaning “thick” or “large,” which was applied to the coin because of its size. The same Latin root underlies words such as gross and groschen.
How groat is actually used
Chiefly historical or literary. In modern usage, groat is uncommon and usually appears in references to old coins, medieval payments, or expressions such as being worth a groat.
Easily confused with groat
A groat is a historical silver coin worth four pence, whereas grout is a thin mortar or a material used to fill gaps.