The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Besant \Be*sant"\, n.
   See Bezant.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bezant \Be*zant"\, n. [See Byzant.]
   1. A gold coin of Byzantium or Constantinople, varying in
      weight and value, usually (those current in England)
      between a sovereign and a half sovereign. There were also
      white or silver bezants. [Written also besant, byzant,
      etc.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Her.) A circle in or, i. e., gold, representing the gold
      coin called bezant. --Burke.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A decoration of a flat surface, as of a band or belt,
      representing circular disks lapping one upon another.
      [1913 Webster]