DCHP-1 Online
porcelain(e) [< Cdn F] Obs. 
n. a bead or beads of shell, Venus mercenaria, later also of porcelain, important as a kind of currency among eastern Indians.
See also: wampum (def. 1)
- c1665 (1885) When we came neere our dwellings we mett severall gangs of men to our greatest disadvantage, for we weare forced to sing, and those that came to see us gave porcelaine to those that most did us injury.
- 1760 . . . for [affairs] of less importance, they make use of brooches, or necklaces of porcelain, skins, coverings, maize, or Indian corn. . . .
- c1665 (1885) When we came neere our dwellings we mett severall gangs of men to our greatest disadvantage, for we weare forced to sing, and those that came to see us gave porcelaine to those that most did us injury.