Also 7 besestano, bisestano, 7–8 besestein, 8 bezestan, 9 bezestein. [a. (directly or through Fr. or It.) Turk. bazistān, originally a Pers. word meaning ‘clothes market.’] An exchange, bazaar or marketplace in the East.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Besestein, an Exchange or the chief Market-place among the Turks.
1696. Phillips, Besestano, a Burse or Exchange for Merchants.
1736. Bailey, Bezestan … a Burse or Exchange.
1849. Curzon, Visits Monast., 35. Some of the bezesteins and principal bazaars are closed at twelve o’clock.
1864. Sala, Tw. round Clock, 267. Behold the Bezesteen of borrowed money.
