four score and seven years ago

Literally, “87 years ago” (score sense: “group of 20”) the beginning of the Gettysburg Address made on November 19, 1863, by United States President Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). The widespread familiarity of Lincoln’s address, the unusual and poetic wording, and its status as the first words of the speech have caused the phrase to enter the public consciousness.

• "It was established four score and seven years ago, and since that time its activities have been intertwined with the internal development of the Nation itself."
• "I imagined momentarily that it was four score and seven years ago, that I had just been brought forth from my mother […]"
• "Four score and seven years ago, I began writing an annual letter to be enclosed in my Christmas cards."