rūf: (Arabic: arf: alphabetical character), thin coin like platelets in gold, with a maximum diameter of 15 mm, stamped in shapes resembling alphabetical characters (urūf) and applied by hand to adorn overgarments (athwāb), tunic dresses (kanādīr), and face masks (barāg). Common in the Arab Gulf region as a form of ornament. It is melted down and sold in times of need.