Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Bisantium, Besantine, Bezant

An ancient coin, first issued at Coustantino-ple; it was of two sorts,—gold, equivalent to a ducat, valued at 9s. 6d.; and silver, com-puted at 2s. They were both current In Englaud. wharton.

Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)