écu

¹ American  

[ey-kyoo, ey-ky] / eɪˈkyu, eɪˈkü /

noun

plural

écus

1. the shield carried by a mounted man-at-arms in the Middle Ages.

2. any of various gold and silver coins of France, issued from the 13th through the 18th centuries, bearing the figure of a shield.

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ECU ² American  

[ey-koo, ee-see-yoo] / eɪˈku, ˈiˈsiˈyu /

noun

1. a former money of account of the European Common Market that was used in international finance until the euro was adopted and was based on the combined prorated values of the currencies of member nations.

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E.C.U. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. English Church Union.

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écu ¹ British  

/ eɪˈkjuː, eky /

noun

1. any of various former French gold or silver coins

2. a small shield

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ECU ² British  

/ ˈiːˈsiːˈjuː, ˈeɪkjuː /

acronym

1. European Currency Unit: a former unit of currency based on the composite value of several different currencies in the European Union and functioning as both the reserve asset and the accounting unit of the European Monetary System; replaced by the euro in 1999

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Etymology

Origin of écu¹

1695–1705; < French; Old French escu < Latin scūtum shield

Origin of ECU²

E(uropean) C(urrency) U(nit), perhaps with play on écu ( def. )

Example Sentences

Après la soupe, un coup d’excellent vin Tire un écu de la poche du médecin.

From Curiosities of Medical Experience by Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)

The days when the diligences of Europe drew up before an old-time inn, with the sign of a pewter plate, an écu d'or, a holly branch, or a prancing white horse, have long since disappeared.

From The Automobilist Abroad by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

The marcandiers had to pay an écu; they were tramps clothed in a tolerably good doublet, who passed themselves off as merchants ruined by war, by fire, or by having been robbed on the highway.

From Manners, Customs, and Dress During the Middle Ages and During the Renaissance Period by Jacob, P. L.

The piètres, or lame rogues, paid half an écu, and walked with crutches.

From Manners, Customs, and Dress During the Middle Ages and During the Renaissance Period by Jacob, P. L.

The soudo Napoletano, a handsome silver coin of the size of an écu de six francs, is equal to twelve carlini.

From After Waterloo: Reminiscences of European Travel 1815-1819 by Frye, Major W. E