bezant

American  

[bez-uhnt, bih-zant] / ˈbɛz ənt, bɪˈzænt /

Also besant

noun

1. Also bezzant the gold solidus of the Byzantine Empire, widely circulated in the Middle Ages.

2. Also byzant (in Romanesque architecture) any of a number of disklike ornaments, similar in form to the classical patera, used especially on the faces of archivolts.

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bezant British  

/ ˈbɛzənt, bɪˈzænt /

noun

1. a medieval Byzantine gold coin

2. architect an ornament in the form of a flat disc

3. heraldry a small gold circle

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Etymology

Origin of bezant

1150–1200; Middle English besant < Old French < Latin byzantius (nummus) “Byzantine (coin)”

Example Sentences

There were moneys of various nations, even to the Spanish pistole and Turkish bezant.

From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John

"A bezant, Master Falconer!—By my faith, you are no bold bodesman! nevertheless, double your offer, and I will consider it."

From The Betrothed by Scott, Walter, Sir

The lands I will take and devote the sum of them as you desire—yes, to the last bezant.

From The Brethren by Haggard, Henry Rider

They spent the next three months in endeavouring to wring out of their triumphant protégés, Isaac and Alexius, every bezant that could be scraped together.

From The Byzantine Empire by Oman, Charles William Chadwick

After they had used up everything they could find, a mere piece of bread cost a bezant.

From The Deeds of God Through the Franks by Levine, Robert