Irish. Also trau-, traw-, thra-, thrawneen. [Anglicized spelling of Ir. traithnín, trathnan, a little stalk of grass (OReilly).] The crested dogs-tail grass, Cynosurus cristatus. (Often taken as the type of something of little or no value: cf. RUSH sb.1 2).
[1808. J. White, Ess. Grasses Irel., 154 (Britt. and Holl., Plant-n.) Trathnin.]
1837. S. Lover, Rory OMore, ii. You dare nt stand before any one with sich a thraneen as that in your fist.
1839. W. Carleton, Fardorougha, iii. Its a bargin I dont care a trawneen.
1842. S. C. Hall, Ireland, II. 74. She never cared a traneen for him, soul or body, and went off with a richer man.
1884. Lays & Leg. N. Irel., 20. Sorra a thrawneen youll get from us more.
1899. Blackw. Mag., March, 572. But shed not a traneen to her fortune.