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sequin

[see-kwin]
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noun
  1. a small shining disk or spangle used for ornamentation, as on women's clothing and accessories or on theatrical costumes.
  2. a former gold coin of Venice, introduced in 1284; ducat.
  3. a former gold coin of Malta, introduced c1535.
  4. a former gold coin of Turkey, introduced in 1478.
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Also zecchino, zechin (for defs 2–4).

Origin of sequin

1575–85; < French sequin < Italian zecchino, equivalent to zecc(a) mint (< Arabic sikkah die, coin) + -ino -ine2
Related formsse·quined, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for sequin

sequin

noun
  1. a small piece of shiny often coloured metal foil or plastic, usually round, used to decorate garments, etc
  2. Also called: zecchino any of various gold coins that were formerly minted in Italy, Turkey, and Malta
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Derived Formssequined, adjective

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper