[a. F. jeton (13–14th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), f. jeter to throw, cast, to cast up (accounts), calculate: see JET v.2]
A piece of metal, ivory, or other material, bearing an inscription or device, formerly used as a counter in casting up accounts and in card-playing. Also applied to medals or tokens of various kinds.
1762–71. H. Walpole, Vertue’s Anecd. Paint. (1786), II. 259. I have a good medal of Cardinal Richelieu, by Warin, who died in 1675, as I learn from a jetton of him by Dacier.
1769. Snelling (title), View of the Origin, Nature, and Use of Jettons or Counters, especially Those known by the Name of Black Money and Abbey Pieces.
1819. J. Millingen (title), Medallic History of Napoleon. A Collection of all the Medals, Coins, and Jettons, relating to his Actions and Reign.
1868. G. Stephens, Runic Mon., II. 535. There was also a class of Jettons commonly called Abbey-Counters, with similar or cognate instructive stamps.
