ducat

[ duhk-uht ]

noun

1. any of various gold coins formerly issued in various parts of Europe, especially that first issued in Venice in 1284. Compare sequin ( def 2 ).
2. any of various silver coins formerly issued in various parts of Europe.
3. Slang. a ticket to a public performance.
4. ducats, Slang. money; cash.

ducat

/ ˈdʌkət /

noun

1. any of various former European gold or silver coins, esp those used in Italy or the Netherlands
2. often plural any coin or money

Word History and Origins

Origin of ducat¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Old Italian ducato, from Medieval Latin ducātus “duchy,” probably so called from the Latin words dux or ducātus, which formed part of the legends of such coins; duchy

Word History and Origins

Origin of ducat¹

C14: from Old French, from Old Italian ducato coin stamped with the doge's image, from duca doge, from Latin dux leader

Example Sentences

A ducat was a gold piece of the size of an old French louis, though less thick.

From Project Gutenberg

If every ducat in six thousand ducats Were in six parts, and every part a ducat, I would not draw them; I would have my bond.

From Project Gutenberg

The result of the quarrel was, that I was obliged to give them twelve drachms of their money, equivalent to half a ducat.

From Project Gutenberg

By dint of inquiry, and for half a ducat, I was enabled to purchase the half of a goatskin full, of which I made him a present.

From Project Gutenberg

Thirty-six aspers are worth a Venetian ducat; but, of the five thousand aspers, the treasurer deducted ten per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accreditation
• certificate
• credential
• license
• passport
• permission
• permit
• pledge
• sanction
• subpoena
• summons
• ticket