STERLING (3)

Ster″ling (?), a. 1. 1. Belonging to, or relating to, the standard British money of account, or the British coinage; as, a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling; — now chiefly applied to the lawful money of England; but sterling cost, sterling value, are used. “With sterling money.” Shak.
2. 2. Genuine; pure; of excellent quality; conforming to the highest standard; of full value; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling good sense.