† thrums Obs. slang.
(θrʌms)
Also quasi-sing. thrum (7 thrumm).
[Repr. colloq. or dial. pronunc. of thruppence.]
= threepence.
| 1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew, Thrumms, three⁓pence. 1846 Swell's Night Guide 78 There is a hanger on here who teaches the art of self defence—thrums (three pence) a lesson. 1865 Leaves from Diary of Celebrated Burglar & Pickpocket 108/2 His first putting-up place was at a low padding ken in St. Giles's, where he paid a ‘thrum’ per night for share of a ‘doss’. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gloss. Words Antrim & Down 106 Thrum,..a threepence. A commission of three pence per stone of flax, paid by a flax-buyer to a person who brings the buyer and seller together in open market. 1933 Bulletin (Sydney) 23 Aug. 10/2, I haven't encountered a crook thrum yet. |