etui

or e·twee

[ ey-twee, et-wee ]

noun

, plural e·tuis.

1. a small, often decorative case, especially one for needles, toilet articles, or the like.

étui

/ ɛˈtwiː /

noun

1. a small usually ornamented case for holding needles, cosmetics, or other small articles

Word History and Origins

Origin of etui¹

1605–15; < French étui, Old French estui holder, noun derivative of estuier to keep < Vulgar Latin *studiāre to treat with care

Word History and Origins

Origin of etui¹

C17: from French, from Old French estuier to enclose; see tweezers

Example Sentences

On the other hand, Bach is a disarming small-talker; a rememberer of birthdays; a collector of personal factoids he jots onto slips of paper and carries in an etui for later use.

From New York Times

There’s even a small studio where she fashions gourds into etuis - small ornamental cases - that she sells online.

From Washington Times

Aprons were regarded as a necessary item of a fashionable costume up to 1750, and the watch and etui adorned the waist, necklaces sparkled on the bosom, and bracelets were worn over long gloves.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the toilet sundries took the form of scent bottles, others etui cases and boxes for toilet requisites, including manicure sets.

From Project Gutenberg

This he does with money that may be either carried in the hand or, better, tucked into a simple etui, or dodu, that can be carried at the wrist or tied to the ankle.

From Project Gutenberg