Dim. fr. F. carcan the iron collar or chain of a criminal, a chain of preciousstones, LL. carcannum, fr. Armor. kerchen bosom, neck, kechen collar, fr. kelch circle; or Icel. kverk troat, OHG, querca throat.
Definitions
A jeweled chain, necklace, or collar.Also written carkenet and carcant.Shak.