liard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical, Archaic, Literary (in metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “liard” mean?
A small, obsolete French coin of low value, particularly from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, obsolete French coin of low value, particularly from the 15th to 18th centuries.
A metaphor for something of extremely little value or worth; a trifle. In French Canada, a historical term for a quarter of a sou.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The word is equally obsolete and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of antiquity, historical finance, and, when used metaphorically, deliberate literary flair or pretension.
Frequency
Used with effectively zero frequency in contemporary speech or writing in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “liard” in a Sentence
[Subject] is not worth a liard.[Object] of no more value than a liard.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liard” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- (not used)
American English
- (not used)
adjective
British English
- (not used)
American English
- (not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business.
Academic
Only in historical, numismatic, or literary studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific to historical numismatics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liard”
- Spelling confusion with 'liar'.
- Pronouncing it like 'leered'.
- Assuming it's a modern monetary unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is an archaic, specialized term primarily of interest to historians and numismatists.
No. It refers specifically to a historical French coin. Its metaphorical use for 'a tiny amount' is very rare and literary.
In British English, typically /ˈlɪɑːd/ (LI-ard). In American English, often /liˈɑrd/ (lee-ARD) or /ˈlɪɑrd/ (LI-ard).
A liard was a small French coin. A farthing was a small British coin (1/4 of a penny). Both are obsolete and symbolize low value, but they are from different countries.
A small, obsolete French coin of low value, particularly from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Liard is usually historical, archaic, literary (in metaphorical use) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a liard”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "LIARD is like a discarded, LIghter-than-AiR penny" to recall its low value.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESSNESS IS AN OBSOLETE COIN
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'liard' be most appropriately used today?