guilder
UK[ˈɡɪldə]US[ˈɡɪldər]
n
The basic unit of money of the Netherlands until it was replaced by the euro in 2002.
n
A former gold or silver coin of various European countries, especially Germany.
Etymology
The word 'guilder' entered English in the 15th century from the Middle Dutch term 'gulden', an adjective meaning "golden." This was an abbreviation of 'gulden florijn', the name for a specific gold coin minted in Florence, Italy, known for its purity and reliability. The English form 'guilder' reflects a common linguistic pattern where the Dutch '-en' adjectival ending is reinterpreted as the English agent suffix '-er', often used for instruments or things associated with an action. Thus, the term's journey—from an Italian city's gold coin, to a Dutch adjective describing it, to an English noun for a currency—traces the history of European trade and monetary standards based on the value of gold.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It originates from Middle Dutch 'gulden', meaning "golden," which was short for 'gulden florijn' ("golden florin"). The '-er' ending is an English adaptation of the Dutch agent or relational suffix.
Examples
The antique map was priced at fifty guilders.
Before the euro, travelers needed to exchange their money for Dutch guilders.
He collected historic coins, including a silver guilder from the 17th century.