Defn: A genus of papilionaceous plants, of the tribe Galegeæ, containing numerous species, two of which are called, in English, milk vetch and licorice vetch. Gum tragacanth is obtained from different oriental species, particularly the A. gummifer and A. verus.
3. (Arch.)
Defn: See Astragal, 1.
ASTRAKHAN
As`tra*khan", a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to Astrakhan in Russia or its products; made of an Astrakhan skin. — n.
Defn: The skin of stillborn or young lambs of that region, the curled wool of which resembles fur.
ASTRAL
As"tral, a. Etym: [L. astralis, fr. astrum star, Gr. astral. See
Star.]
Defn: Pertaining to, coming from, or resembling, the stars; starry; starlike. Shines only with an astral luster. I. Taylor. Some astral forms I must invoke by prayer. Dryden. Astral lamp, an Argand lamp so constructed that no shadow is cast upon the table by the flattened ring-shaped reservoir in which the oil is contained. — Astral spirits, spirits formerly supposed to live in the heavenly bodies or the aërial regions, and represented in the Middle Ages as fallen angels, spirits of the dead, or spirits originating in fire.
ASTRAND
A*strand", adv. & a. Etym: [Pref. a- + strand.]
Defn: Stranded. Sir W. Scott.