Also arsowde, assidue, asidew, orsedew, orsidue, orsade, orsady, assady, -dyn, -den, orsden, arsadine. [Etymology, and correct form unknown: see also ORSIDUE.] A gold-colored alloy of copper and zinc, rolled into very thin leaf, and used to ornament toys, etc.; ‘Dutch gold,’ ‘Mannheim gold.’
1472–8. Accts., in T. Sharp’s Dissertation, 193. For assady and redde wax … Item for assadyn, silver papur and gold papur … Item for assaden for the harnes.
1481–90. Howard Househ. Bks. (1844), 339. For ij. lb. of arsowde … iiij s.
1550–1600. Customs Duties, Add. MS. B. M. 25097. Orsedew, the dosen pounds xiis. iiijd.
1596. Nashe, Saffron Walden, 49. As day-light [is] beyond candle-light, or tinsell or leafe-gold aboue arsedine. Ibid. (1599), Lent. Stuffe, in Harl. Misc., VI. 172. A London vintner’s signe … fringed with theaming arsadine.
1614. B. Jonson, Barth. Fair, II. ii. Puft vp with the pride of your … Arsedine.
1730. Gent’s Hist. York, Advt. in Hone, Every-d. Bk., 26 Sept., 632. Assidue or horse-gold. Ibid. (1816). Importer of bronze powder, Dutch metal, and orsedew. Ibid. (1826), 631. Garlands … rustling with asidew.
