Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

besa

noun
Save Word
be·​sa | \ ˈbā-sə \
plural bese\ ˈbā-​(ˌ)sā \ or besas

Definition of besa

1a : a coin issued from 1909 to 1921 for use in Italian Somaliland where it was worth ¹/₁₀₀ of a rupia
b : a corresponding unit of value the circulation of 2-besa and 4-besa coins
2a : a copper coin formerly used in Ethiopia where it was worth ¹/₁₀₀ of a talari
b : a corresponding unit of value a ¹/₂-besa coin was struck

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for besa

Italian

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about besa

Statistics for besa

Cite this Entry

“Besa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/besa. Accessed 18 Sep. 2020.

Comments on besa

What made you want to look up besa? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

delve

Listen to the pronunciation of delve

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Dog Words Quiz

  • shiba puppy more or less demanding cuddles
  • Which of the following animals has a dog in its etymology?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games