King James Bible Dictionary

Contraction of minute, from the Latin minutum, the translation of the Greek word lepton, the very smallest bronze of copper coin (Luke 12:59; 21:2). Two mites made one quadrans, i.e., the fourth part of a Roman as, which was in value nearly a halfpenny. (See FARTHING.)

About one-fifth of a cent
Mark 12:42

Widow's
Luke 21:2

a coin current in Palestine in the time of our Lord. (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4) It seems in Palestine to have been the smallest piece of money (worth about one-fifth of a cent), being the half of the farthing, which was a coin of very low value. From St. Mark's explanation, "two mites, which make a farthing," ver. 42, it may perhaps be inferred that the farthing was the commoner coin.

MITE, noun [Heb. small.]

1. A very small insect of the genus Acarus.

2. In Scripture, a small piece of money, the quarter of a denarius, or about seven English farthings.

3. Any thing proverbially very small; a very little particle or quantity.

4. The twentieth part of a grain.

MITEL'LA, noun A plant.

Exodus 28:4; Exodus 28:36-39; Exodus 39:28-31; Ezekiel 21:26

MI'TER, noun

1. A sacerdotal ornament worn on the head by bishops and certain abbots, on solemn occasions.

2. In architecture, an angle of 45 degrees.

3. In Irish history, a sort of base money or coin.

4. Figuratively, the dignity of bishops or abbots.

MI'TER, verb transitive To adorn with a miter

1. To unite at an angle of 45 degrees.

MI'TERED, participle present tense or adjective Wearing a miter.

1. Honored with the privilege of wearing a miter.

2. Cut or joined at an angle of 45 degrees.