Etui, French for "case". A small ornamented case fitted with miniature implements for a woman's daily use, such as scissors, bodkins, needles, thimble, a tiny knife, pencil, ivory writing-tablet,etc. The cases were variously shaped, delicately decorated with enamels, and richly mounted with gilt hinges and collars.Porcelain examples were sometimes made in fantasy shapes, e.g. a maiden's leg with stocking, shoe, and garter, a lady's arm with sleeve, cuff, and ringed finger, a stick of asparagus or broccoli.They were also made in gold, silver, and pinchbeck.Some were worn suspended from a chatelaine by loops of silken cord or chain attached to the cover. They were worn in the 17th-19th centuries. A heavier version was also used by a man, for a watch,watch key, keys, and seals.