menukin.

1617 R. Cocks Diary (1883) I. 231 Pro 2 bras buttons on the side handell [sc. of the cattan, i.e. sword] called menuque.

1884 E. M. Satow & A. G. S. Hawes Handbk. Travellers Central & Northern Japan (ed. 2) 116 The menuki are two small ornaments fixed one on each side of the hilt near its middle, and are held in place by the silk cord which binds together the wood and other elements of the handle.

1889 M. B. Huish Japan & its Art xii. 174 The menuki are small ornaments placed on either side of the hilt to give a better grasp to it.

1894 A. H. Church in Catal. Specimens Japanese Lacquer & Metal Work (Burlington Fine Arts Club) p. xv On either side of the hilt is an ornament in metal (menuki).

1934 G. C. Stone Gloss. Arms & Armor 447/2 Menuki,..ornaments on the sides of the hilt of a Japanese sword or knife. They were originally intended to conceal the peg that fastens the hilt to the blade; but in practically all existing specimens they are placed to one side of it so that the hilts can be easily removed.

1967 F. Wilkinson Swords & Daggers iii. 55 Next the blade was passed to the makers of sword furniture who fashioned..a wooden grip band with thonging beneath which were two little figures known as menuki, often of superb quality.

1983 D. Craig Iai-jitsu: Center of Circle iv. 68 Your hands should be on the menukis of the handle.

1992 Martial Arts Illustr. 2 July 7/3 At the top end of the modern sword range is the professional Katana. This will have a traditional, black lacquered scabbard, en suite fittings and matching Menuki (hilt ornaments).

2003 S. Mol Classical Weaponry Japan iv. 101 The incredible detailed work on sword fittings—from the lacquerwork on the scabbard,..to the elaboration of the swordguard, the menuki (hilt ornaments), and the fushi-gashira (metal sleeve and pommel on the hilt).