Sterling

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun ·same·as Starling, 3.

II. Sterling ·noun A certain standard of quality or value for money.

III. Sterling ·noun Any English coin of standard value; coined money.

IV. Sterling ·adj Genuine; pure; of excellent quality; conforming to the highest standard; of full value; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling good sense.

V. Sterling ·adj Belonging to, or relating to, the standard British money of account, or the British coinage; as, a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling;

— now chiefly applied to the lawful money of England; but sterling cost, sterling value, are used.