A small, decorative case or container designed to hold sewing needles, cosmetics, or other tiny personal items, popular among wealthy people historically.
From French 'étui,' of uncertain origin; possibly from Arabic 'al-tawi' or related to French 'étuit' (hidden). The word entered English in the 17th century as luxury goods and personal accessories became fashionable among European aristocracy.
Etuis were the luxury 'tech accessories' of the 1700s-1800s—wealthy people collected ornate cases in gold, silver, mother-of-pearl, and enamel just to carry needles, creating a whole market for decorative functional objects that were as much about status as utility.
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