Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PEN'NY, n. [plur. Pennies or Pence. Pennies denotes the number of coins; pence the amount of pennies in value. Sax. penig; D. and Sw. penning; G. pfennig; Dan. penge, money.]

1. An ancient English silver coin; but now an imaginary money of account, twelve of which are equal to a shilling. It is the radical denomination from which English coin is numbered. – Johnson.
2. In ancient English statutes, any or all silver money.
3. Proverbially, a small sum. He will not lend a penny.
4. Money in general. Be sure to turn the penny. – Dryden.