zimbi

1. (archaic) A cowrie shell, once used as a form of currency in parts of Africa.Examples: "In the kingdom of Congo there is said to be another kind of shell current, called zimbi. Two thousand of these zimbi form a maconti or macinte; and one of the writers on Central Africa some years ago stated that two Flemish knives were deemed worth a maconti; a copper basin, two pounds in weight and twelve inches in diameter, three maconti; a fusee, ten macontis, &c."; "It is true that the inhabitants of Congo do also make use of shells, by them called zimbi, or zinibi; but these are carried to them only by the Portuguese, who are in a manner masters of this great kingdom."archaic