Learn English – How did Ducat come to mean ticket

etymologymeaning

Merriam-Webster's Eleventh Collegiate Dictionary has this entry for the noun ducat:

ducat n {ME, fr. MF, fr. OIt ducato coin with the doge's portrait on it, fr. duca, doge, fr. LGk douk-, doux leader, fr. L -duc, dux} (14c) 1 : a former European usu. gold coin 2 : TICKET 2 ["a certificate or token showing that a fare or admission fee has been paid"]

I am wondering about the origin of the second meaning. How did ducats come to mean tickets for a show or performance?

Best Answer

Its current meaning as ticket probably derives from its prominent usage in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice:"

Ducat:

  • A ticket or pass to a show, game, race, etc (1874+)

(The Dictionary of American Slang)

Etymology:

  • So called for the name or effigy of Roger II of Sicily, Duke of Apulia, which first issued the coins (c.1140). Byzantine emperor Constantine X had the Greek form doux struck on his coins during his reign (1059-1067). Over the years it was a unit of currency of varying value in Holland, Russia, Austria, Sweden, Venice, etc.

  • Remained popular in slang for "money" or "ticket" from its prominence in "The Merchant of Venice."

(Etymonline)

William Shakespeare The Merchant of Venice:

  • Shylock: "My daughter! O my ducats! Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats! Justice! the law! my ducats, and my daughter!..."
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