ˈbɛsənt

Definitions

1. noun

a gold or silver coin of the Byzantine Empire, especially one used in the medieval trade between Europe and Asia.

“The archaeologists discovered a collection of besants in the ancient city.”

2. noun

a gold coin of the Ottoman Empire, especially one used as a standard currency in the 19th century.

“The merchant used the besant to purchase goods from the Ottoman Empire.”

3. proper noun

a surname, especially one of Indian or South Asian origin.

“The Besant family has lived in this town for generations.”