etui

American  

[ey-twee, et-wee] / eɪˈtwi, ˈɛt wi /

Or etwee

noun

plural

etuis

1. a small, often decorative case, especially one for needles, toilet articles, or the like.

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étui British  

/ ɛˈtwiː /

noun

1. a small usually ornamented case for holding needles, cosmetics, or other small articles

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Etymology

Origin of etui

1605–15; < French étui, Old French estui holder, noun derivative of estuier to keep < Vulgar Latin *studiāre to treat with care

Example Sentences

On the other hand, Bach is a disarming small-talker; a rememberer of birthdays; a collector of personal factoids he jots onto slips of paper and carries in an etui for later use.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2021

Aprons were regarded as a necessary item of a fashionable costume up to 1750, and the watch and etui adorned the waist, necklaces sparkled on the bosom, and bracelets were worn over long gloves.

From The Evolution of Fashion by Gardiner, Florence Mary

He stepped to his trunk, unlocked it, and took from it an etui containing a number of fans.

From Frederick the Great and His Family by Coleman, Chapman, Mrs.

"What think you I have in this etui, dear?" she said, coming forward, and bending over her son to bestow a kiss.

From Joseph II. and His Court by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)

She stood up, and handed him the etui with the air of an insulted queen, without once glancing at its contents, and only divining their value by the size and weight of the case.

From Frederick the Great and His Court by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)