byzant

Alternative forms

• bezant

Etymology

From Old French besant, nominative bezanz, from Latin Byzantius (“of Byzantium”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bɪˈzænt/

Noun

byzant (plural byzants)

1. (historical) A coin made of gold or silver, minted at Byzantium and used in currency throughout mediaeval Europe.
   • 1819, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe:

     “Gramercy! good fellow,” cried Prince John, “thou pleasest me — Here, Isaac, lend me a handful of byzants.”