Chequin

/ˈtʃɛkɪn/ noun

Definition

A gold coin formerly used in Venice and the Ottoman Empire, also called a sequin or zecchino; a unit of currency in medieval Mediterranean trade.

Etymology

From Italian 'zecchino' (small gold coin from the mint/zecca), which gave English 'sequin'. The spelling variant reflects phonetic borrowing across European trade languages.

Kelly Says

The word 'sequin' in your sequined dress comes from the same origin as this coin—those shiny decorations are literally named after sparkly medieval money!

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