ASPER, in Grammar.—Spiritus Asper,a Character or Accent, in form of a comma; placed over certain Letters, in the Greek Tongue, to show they are to be strongly aspirated, and to supply the Place of an H. See ASPIRATE.
ASPER also signifies a little Turkish Silver Coin, wherein most of the Grand Signior’s Revenues are paid. See Coin and Money. The Asper is worth something more than an English Halfpenny.—The only Impression it bears, is that of the Prince’s Head under whom it was struck—The Pay of the Janizaries, is from twelve to fifteen Aspers per Diem. See JANIZARY.
