Washington

Definition

A U.S. one-dollar bill, which features a portrait of George Washington.

Etymology

Washington (the town in Tyne and Wear, northeast England): probably from the Old English place name Hwæssingatūn (literally “a settlement of the household of *Hwæssa”), from *Hwæssa (a Saxon chieftain's name) + -ing (“belonging to”) + tūn (“homestead, settlement”). It was attested in 1096 as Wasindone. Hwæssa is of uncertain origin, said to possibly correspond to waþ (“hunt”) + sige (“victory”), or possibly related to hwæte (“wheat”). There are other theories; more on Wikipedia. The surname derives from the town, and most places in the United States are named for George Washington.

Example Sentences

• "He could open that footlocker once in awhile^([sic]) and look at actual cash, loads of bills, tens, twenties, eagles, Grants, Lincolns, Washingtons."
• "Presidents: Cash money, folding bills, the green stuff, cabbage, lettuce, bucks, dough, i.e., Washingtons ($1), Jeffersons ($2), Lincolns ($5), Jacksons ($20), Grants ($50), McKinleys ($500), Clevelands ($1,000), Madisons ($5,000), and Wilsons ($100,000)."
• "How much money would you have if you had 2 Grants, 4 Washingtons, and 1 Lincoln?"