sequin
[see-kwin]
- a small shining disk or spangle used for ornamentation, as on women's clothing and accessories or on theatrical costumes.
- a former gold coin of Venice, introduced in 1284; ducat.
- a former gold coin of Malta, introduced c1535.
- a former gold coin of Turkey, introduced in 1478.
Origin of sequin
1575–85; < French sequin < Italian zecchino, equivalent to zecc(a) mint (< Arabic sikkah die, coin) + -ino -ine2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for sequin
Contemporary Examples
Oh, and the protagonist in the sequin dress is actually a boy.
The lure of the sequin propelled her into show-business and a starring role in the legendary Pearl Box Review.
Historical Examples
But his holiness, the papa, might choose to charge one sequin for it.
The Memoires of Casanova, CompleteJacques Casanova de Seingalt
I am satisfied with your abilities, go on, and here is a sequin for expenses.
The Memoires of Casanova, CompleteJacques Casanova de Seingalt
"No, mam," he said dejectedly as he assisted Mrs. Sequin to alight.
A Romance of Billy-Goat HillAlice Hegan Rice
"Tell her to wait," said Mrs. Sequin without turning her head.
A Romance of Billy-Goat HillAlice Hegan Rice
"Close the door, Myrtella," Mrs. Sequin said as they entered.
A Romance of Billy-Goat HillAlice Hegan Rice
sequin
- a small piece of shiny often coloured metal foil or plastic, usually round, used to decorate garments, etc
- Also called: zecchino any of various gold coins that were formerly minted in Italy, Turkey, and Malta
Word Origin
C17: via French from Italian zecchino, from zecca mint, from Arabic sikkah die for striking coins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for sequin
n.
1610s, name of a former Italian and Turkish gold coin, from French sequin (17c.), from Italian zecchino, name of a Venetian coin, from zecca "a mint," from Arabic sikkah "a minting die." Meaning "ornamental disc or spangle" is first recorded 1882, from resemblance to a gold coin. Related: Sequined (1890).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper