sycee

[ sahy-see ]

noun

1. fine uncoined silver in lumps of various sizes usually bearing a banker's or assayer's stamp or mark, formerly used in China as a medium of exchange.

sycee

/ saɪˈsiː /

noun

1. silver ingots formerly used as a medium of exchange in China

Word History and Origins

Origin of sycee¹

1705–15; < Chinese dial. (Guangdong) sai-sì, akin to Chinese xìsī silk floss; so called because it can be made into wire as fine as silk thread

Word History and Origins

Origin of sycee¹

C18: from Chinese saì sz fine silk; so called because the silver can be made into threads as fine as silk

Example Sentences

The silver used in these exchanges is called Sycee silver, and is apparently of any shape or size.

From Project Gutenberg

The current coin is lumps of Chinese sycee silver of two pounds' weight each.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon the bodies of many of the slain, pieces of Sycee silver were found, as had been the case at Ningpo, a few days before.

From Project Gutenberg

Memorials were presented to the Emperor on the subject, and the export of sycee was prohibited.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be possible to change them for copper cash or Sycee silver, but that would involve delay and perhaps trouble.

From Project Gutenberg