bezant

noun

be·​zant ˈbe-zᵊnt  bə-ˈzant 

1

: solidus sense 1

2

: a flat disk used in architectural ornament

Word History

Etymology

Middle English besant, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin Byzantius Byzantine, from Byzantium, ancient name of Istanbul

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1