Dirhem

Dirhem, a modification of the Greek drachma (see DRACHM), was the name under the califs for a weight of silver equivalent to about forty-five grains, and was also used for precious stones and medicine in Arabia, Persia, Egypt, and Turkey. As a coin the value varied, but may be given at 5½d. under the califs. In Turkey, the name dirhem has lately been given to the much smaller weight, the French gramme.