LIVRE TOURNOIS Meaning and
Definition
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Livre tournois refers to an old French currency used during the medieval period until the late 18th century. The term "livre" translates to "pound" in English, and "tournois" refers to "tournament" or "tournament of knights." Hence, livre tournois can be understood as a currency associated with the realm of tournaments or knights.
Originating in the 12th century, the livre tournois was initially used as a unit of account in tournament payments and fees. Over time, it gradually became an official currency used for domestic transactions throughout France. The livre tournois was subdivided into sous and deniers, with 20 sous making one livre and 12 deniers equaling one sou. This division allowed for varying denominations and facilitated day-to-day commerce.
Despite fluctuations in its value, the livre tournois retained its significance as a prominent currency until the French Revolution. It retained its prestige and was used in official financial transactions, legal documents, and commercial records. However, with the subsequent introduction of the decimal system under the revolutionary government, the livre tournois was replaced by the franc.
Today, the livre tournois is primarily of historical interest, representing an integral part of medieval French economic and monetary history. Although no longer in circulation, it serves as a testament to the diverse currencies that have shaped the economic landscape over centuries.
Common Misspellings for LIVRE TOURNOIS
- kivre tournois
- pivre tournois
- oivre tournois
- luvre tournois
- ljvre tournois
- lkvre tournois
- lovre tournois
- l9vre tournois
- l8vre tournois
- licre tournois
- libre tournois
- ligre tournois
- lifre tournois
- livee tournois
- livde tournois
- livfe tournois
- livte tournois
- liv5e tournois
- liv4e tournois
- livrw tournois
Etymology of LIVRE TOURNOIS
The word "livre tournois" derives from Old French and has a complex etymology.
"Livre" comes from Latin "libra", which means "pound". In the Middle Ages, the livre was a unit of weight used in various parts of Europe and was often associated with a pound of silver.
"Tournois" refers to the town of Tours in France, which was an important center for medieval tournaments and the minting of coins. The term "tournois" was used to distinguish this variation of the livre from other regional variations.
Therefore, "livre tournois" originally referred to a pound of silver used as currency in Tours and broader regions influenced by it. However, over time, it evolved to become a standardized currency throughout medieval France. The livre tournois remained in use until the French Revolution when it was replaced by the franc.
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