escudo
(ɛˈskjuːdəʊ)
[Sp., Pg.:—L. scūtum shield. Cf. écu, scudo.]
A Portuguese silver coin, originally of the value of a crown. Also applied to other former coins, gold or silver, in Spain, Portugal, and Spanish America.
| 1821 P. Kelly Universal Cambist (ed. 2) II. 281 Escudo,..a gold coin of Portugal and Spain. 1914 E. C. Hargrove Progressive Portugal 262 In 1913, the Portuguese Authorities altered the denomination of the coinage from milreis and reis to escudos and centavos. 1920 Chambers's Jrnl. 404/2 The escudo, which normally..is of the value of nearly four shillings and sixpence. 1925 Glasgow Herald 14 Aug. 6 The paper escudos nominally equivalent to a French franc. 1957 New Statesman 2 Nov. 554/1 Scruffy black-marketers..offered me wads of escudos for my ticket. |