besant

2 definitions found

besant - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Besant \Be*sant"\, n.
     See Bezant.
     [1913 Webster]

  Bezant \Be*zant"\, n. [See Byzant.]
     1. A gold coin of Byzantium or Constantinople, varying in
        weight and value, usually (those current in England)
        between a sovereign and a half sovereign. There were also
        white or silver bezants. [Written also besant, byzant,
        etc.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Her.) A circle in or, i. e., gold, representing the gold
        coin called bezant. --Burke.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A decoration of a flat surface, as of a band or belt,
        representing circular disks lapping one upon another.
        [1913 Webster]