Byzant

Pronunciation

• IPA: /bɪˈzænt/

Alternative forms

• bezant

Origin

From Old French besant, nominative bezanz, from Latin Byzantius ‘of Byzantium’.

Full definition of byzant

Noun

1. (history) A coin made of gold or silver, minted at Byzantium and used in currency throughout mediaeval Europe.
• 1819: “Gramercy! good fellow,” cried Prince John, “thou pleasest me — Here, Isaac, lend me a handful of byzants.” — Walter Scott, Ivanhoe