A small ornamental case or container, particularly for holding needles, cosmetics, or other small items; variant of 'etui.'
Variant spelling or alternate form of 'etui,' possibly from French 'étui.' The word entered English from French in the 17th century, referring to small decorative cases used by wealthy Europeans, particularly women.
Etua and etui represent the kind of luxury item that reveals class and leisure in historical societies—if you had a fancy case just for needles or perfumes, you were definitely wealthy enough not to have to worry about making your own clothes or medicines.
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