Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Pension

is something weighed out. Originally money was weighed, hence our pound. When the Gauls were bribed to leave Rome the ransom money was weighed in scales, and then Brennus threw his sword into the weight-pan. (Latin, pendo, to weigh money.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Pensioners
Pennyworth
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