Bas′il (băz′-). Syn. Bas′an; Basane, Fr. A sheep-skin, tanned; particularly one dressed on the grain side, for book-binding.
BASIL′ICON. See Cerates and Ointments.
BAS′KET (băs′-). Syn. Coph′inus (kŏf′-), L.; Panier, Corbeille, &c., Fr.; Korb, Ger. Baskets are generally STAINED or COLOURED with the simple liquid dyes used for straw or wood; and that, for variegated work, the twigs, after being carefully peeled, washed, and wiped dry or slightly air-dried, are stained before being woven. See Osiers, &c.
BASS‡. [Provin.] The linden-tree; also a hassock or mat made of its inner bark. See Bast.
Bassia butyracea. A tree growing in the sub-tropical Himalayas. The seeds yield by expression a concrete oil, known by the name of Fulwa Butter, which does not become rancid by keeping. It is held in high esteem in India as an external application in rheumatic and other painful maladies.
BAS′SORIN (-rĭn). Syn. Bassori′na, L. A substance first noticed, by Vauquelin, in Bas′sora-gum. See Gum, Insoluble, Tragacanthine, &c.
BAST (băst). Syn. Bass (which see). The inner bark of the linden tree or tiel tree; also matting, &c., made of it.
BAS′TARDS (-tărdz). Syn. Bas′tard Sug′ar (shŏŏg′-), Pieces, &c. In sugar-refining, impure or damaged sugar resulting from the heat and chemicals used in the process of manufacture, and which will not pay for purifying.
BA′′SYL (bāse′ĭl). In chemistry, any simple or compound body, acting as a basic radical.
BATATA [Convolvulus batatas, or Sweet Potato]. This is a native of the East Indies, but is now cultivated in all tropical and sub-tropical countries for the sake of its tubers, which are highly esteemed as an article of food. They are eaten either roasted or boiled, and are sweet, wholesome, and nutritious, although somewhat laxative.