E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pennyworth or Pen’oth.
A small quantity, as much as can be bought for a penny. Butler says, “This was the pen’oth of his thought” (Hudibras, ii. 3), meaning that its scope or amount was extremely small.
1
He has got his pennyworth. He has got due value for his money.
2
To turn an honest penny. To earn a little money by working for it.
