Look at Fanny and John Dashwood's liberal use of the word "half" in this converstion! Especially in what Fanny says.

"And what possible claim could the Miss Dashwoods, who were related to him only by half blood, which she considered as no relationship at all, have on his generosity to so large an amount? It was very well known that no affection was ever supposed to exist between the children of any man by different marriages; and why was he to ruin himself, and their poor little Harry, by giving away all his money to his half sisters?

"Had he been in his right senses, he could not have thought of such a thing as begging you to give away half your fortune from your own child."

"Perhaps, then, it would be better for all parties if the sum were diminished one half."

"What brother on earth would do half so much for his sisters, even if really his sisters! And as it is -- only half blood!

"Fifteen years! my dear Fanny; her life cannot be worth half that purchase."

Five hundred a-year! I am sure I cannot imagine how they will spend half of it; and as to your giving them more, it is quite absurd to think of it. They will be much more able to give you something."