etui

American  

[ey-twee, et-wee] / eɪˈtwi, ˈɛt wi /

Or etwee

noun

plural

etuis

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

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étui British  

/ ɛˈtwiː /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of etui

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

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 • Jul. 20, 2021

The queen then returned, holding in her hands two very pretty portfolios for her drawings, and a very fine gold etui.

From The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay — Volume 1 by Burney, Fanny

He stepped to his trunk, unlocked it, and took from it an etui containing a number of fans.

From Frederick the Great and His Family by Coleman, Chapman, Mrs.

Count von Gortz bowed, rose, and drew from his bosom a rich velvet etui which he handed to the prince.

From Joseph II. and His Court by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)

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 Further Foolishness by Leacock, Stephen