(1):

(n.) A certain standard of quality or value for money.

(2):

(a.) 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.

(3):

(n.) Any English coin of standard value; coined money.

(4):

(n.) Same as Starling, 3.

(5):

(a.) 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.