jane1
(dʒeɪn)
Also 5 iayne.
[From OF. Janne(s, F. Gênes; cf. ME. Janewey, Genoway.]
† 1. A small silver coin of Genoa introduced into England towards the end of the 14th century: cf. galley-halfpenny. Obs.
| c 1386 Chaucer Sir Thopas 24 His Robe was of Syklatoun That coste many a Iane [v.r. Iayne]. ― Clerk's T. 943 O Stormy peple..Ay ful of clappyng deere ynogh a Iane. 1590 Spenser F.Q. iii. vii. 58 [She] flat refusd to have adoe with mee, Because I could not give her many a Jane. 1671 Skinner Etymol. Ling. Angl. C cccc j b, Jane..q.d. nummus Genuensis, vel Januensis. |
2. = jean, the fabric, q.v.