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besa

noun be·sa \ ˈbā-sə \

Definition of besa

plural bese \ˈbā-(ˌ)sā\ or besas
1 a : 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
2 a : 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

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Origin and Etymology of besa

Italian

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