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Glite Dictionary
etui

etui

1 9.9
A small decorated case for carrying needles and other small items
  • noun
  • /eɪˈtwi/
  • Archaic
: estuche
  • He gifted her a beautiful etui to store her collection of sewing supplies.

Examples

  • She reached into her etui to pull out a needle for her sewing project.

  • The elegant etui was filled with her favorite lipsticks and perfumes.

  • To this etui, the concept of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) has been developed, seeking to identify and, ultimately, ensure that networks of globally important sites are safeguarded.

    Academic text (2004)

Synonyms

bag
vsetui
∞ 1.0

A flexible container for carrying personal things like books or clothes

is small and ornamental meant for tiny sewing items and cosmetics
dressing case
vsetui
  • Archaic
1 7.5

A small box for keeping brushes, bottles, and toiletries when you travel

is smaller and decorative used for tiny sewing items or cosmetics
inro
vsetui
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small decorated Japanese case for holding small things on a sash

is carried rather than worn and holds sewing items or cosmetics

Surface Forms

etui singular
etuis plural

Etymology

The word etui comes from French and from an older French verb estuiier that meant 'to put inside', so etui originally meant 'a small case'. Think of an etui as a tiny case for needles or makeup, which is why an etui is a small ornamental box or bag.