subs. phr. (old).—Cowrie shells—the currency of some savage tribes.
1700. W. KING, Transactioneer, 36. He has shells called BLACKMOORE’S TEETH, I suppose … from their whiteness.
1719. W. WOOD, A Survey of Trade, 334. Known by the Name of Cowries amongst Merchants, or of BLACKAMORES’ TEETH among other Persons.
