besant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialist/Historical
Quick answer
What does “besant” mean?
A historical gold coin, originally of the Byzantine Empire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical gold coin, originally of the Byzantine Empire.
Also refers to a small gold disc or an ornament resembling the coin, or a heraldic charge representing a flat disc of gold.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The historical term is known only to specialists in relevant fields in both regions.
Connotations
In British historical writing, it may appear more frequently due to deeper medieval historical focus. In American usage, it is even rarer and purely technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with a slightly higher occurrence in UK academic texts on medieval history.
Grammar
How to Use “besant” in a Sentence
The besant was minted in Constantinople.A besant of pure gold.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “besant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The besant-thin wafer of gold was rare.
- A besant-like ornament adorned the relic.
American English
- He described the shield's besant pattern.
- The besant-shaped disc was a replica.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used in modern business.
Academic
Used in historical, numismatic, and heraldic academic papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a technical term in heraldry, history, and coin collecting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besant”
- Misspelling as 'besent' or 'beasant'.
- Confusing it with 'peasant' by sight.
- Assuming it is a modern financial term.
- Incorrect plural: 'besants' is standard, though archaic texts may use 'besant' as plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'bezant' is a common alternate spelling for the same historical coin.
No, it is an exclusively historical term and would sound archaic or incorrect in a modern financial context.
In heraldry, a besant is a gold roundel (a solid circle), representing the coin, and symbolises wealth or virtue.
Its referent (the Byzantine gold coin) ceased to be relevant to daily life centuries ago, leaving the term only in specialist domains.
A historical gold coin, originally of the Byzantine Empire.
Besant is usually specialist/historical in register.
Besant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛz(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛzənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a besant.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The BEZANT (alternate spelling) was the gold coin of Byzantium (sounds similar).
Conceptual Metaphor
A STANDARD OF VALUE (as in 'her wealth was reckoned in besants').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'besant' most likely to be used today?