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May 25, 2012
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—R

Rap

Not worth a rap. The rap was a base halfpenny, intrinsically worth about half a farthing, issued for the nonce in Ireland in 1721, because small coin was so very scarce. There was also a coin in Switzerland called a rappe, worth the seventh of a penny.

“Many counterfeits passed about under the name of raps.” —Swift: Drapier's Letters.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Rape
Ranz des Vaches
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