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

"What think you I have in this etui, dear?" she said, coming forward, and bending over her son to bestow a kiss.

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

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)

"I will accept this etui," she said smiling, "but will not open it while we are together, for fear we might again disagree."

From Frederick the Great and His Court by Mühlbach, L. (Luise)

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.