Also 5 iayne. [From OF. Janne(s, F. Gênes; cf. ME. Janewey, GENOWAY.]
† 1. A small silver coin of Genoa introduced into England towards the end of the 14th century: cf. GALLEY-HALFPENNY. Obs.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Sir Thopas, 24. His Robe was of Syklatoun That coste many a Iane [v.r. Iayne]. Ibid., Clerk’s T., 943. O Stormy peple … Ay ful of clappyng deere ynogh a Iane.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., III. vii. 58. [She] flat refusd to have adoe with mee, Because I could not give her many a Jane.
1671. Skinner, Etymol. Ling. Angl., C cccc j b. Jane … q.d. nummus Genuensis, vel Januensis.
2. = JEAN, the fabric, q.v.
