sequin
[ see-kwin ]
/ ˈsi kwɪn /
noun
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.
Nearby words
Origin of sequin
1575–85; < French sequin < Italian zecchino, equivalent to zecc(a) mint (< Arabic sikkah die, coin) + -ino -ine2
Related formsse·quined, adjective
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for sequin
British Dictionary definitions for sequin
sequin
/ (ˈsiːkwɪn) /
noun
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
Derived Formssequined, adjective
Word Origin for sequin
C17: via French from Italian zecchino, from zecca mint, from Arabic sikkah die for striking coins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for sequin
sequin
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