exergue

[ ig-zurg, ek-surg, eg-zurg ]

noun

1. the space below the device on a coin or medal, sometimes separated from the field by a line.

exergue

/ ɛkˈsɜːɡ /

noun

1. a space on the reverse of a coin or medal below the central design, often containing the date, place of minting, etc

Derived Forms

• exˈergual, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·ergu·al [ig-, zur, -g, uh, l, ek-, sur, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exergue¹

1690–1700; < French, apparently < Greek ex- ex- ³ + érgon work

Word History and Origins

Origin of exergue¹

C17: from French, from Medieval Latin exergum, from Greek ex outside + ergon work

Example Sentences

The design was similar to the original, except that the exergue contained a picture of Kaffir arms instead of the date "1853."

From Project Gutenberg

On the Exergue: bostonium recuperatum, die 17 martii, mdcclxxvi.

From Project Gutenberg

In the exergue is a boy fishing, the rebus upon the name of the artist Gio Maria da Pescia.

From Project Gutenberg

I think that a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the exergue, Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi.

From Project Gutenberg

Exergue: fugatis captis aut csis ad cowpens hostibus 17 Jan. 1781.

From Project Gutenberg