Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STER'LING, a. [probably from Easterling.]

1. An epithet by which English money of account is distinguished; as, pound sterling; a shilling sterling; penny sterling. It not now applied to the coins of England; but sterling cost, sterling value are used.
2. Genuine; pure; of excellent quality; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling wit or good sense.