An old word for 'tenth'. A notation for decimal fractions was introduced for the first time in 1585 in a pamphlet called La Disme by Simon Stevin of Holland. Found on http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/D/disme.html
Spelling of the word 'dime' on U.S. 1792 pattern pieces and name given the 10-cent coin authorized in the Mint Act of April 2, 1792. Probably pronounced like 'steam' or 'time.' The 's' is silent.
Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/10143