The spelling of the word "beasant" may seem confusing to some, but it can be explained through its phonetic transcription "ˈbiːzənt." The first two letters "be" represent the long "e" sound, followed by the "z" sound in the middle. Finally, the last syllable "sant" is pronounced with the "uh" sound and the "t" sound at the end. With this understanding, it can be pronounced as "BEE-zuhnt." This word refers to a type of game bird that is similar to a partridge.
The word "beasant" originated from Old French "besant" around the 12th century. It ultimately derives from the Latin word "byzantius", meaning "of Byzantium". In medieval times, the Byzantine Empire used gold coins called "solidus bezants", which were highly valued and circulated widely. From referencing these coins, the word "besant" came to represent any coin or currency. Over time, it specifically came to refer to a type of small, round metal object used in heraldry, which resembles the shape of a medieval coin. Today, "beasant" is primarily used in heraldry to describe a roundel or small circular charge on a coat of arms.