1. (Rom. Myth.)
Defn: One of the great divinities of the ancient Romans, identical with the Greek Hestia. She was a virgin, and the goddess of the hearth; hence, also, of the fire on it, and the family round it.
2. (Astron.)
Defn: An asteroid, or minor planet, discovered by Olbers in 1807.
3. A wax friction match. Simmonds.
VESTAL
Ves"tal, a. Etym: [L. Vestalis belonging to Vesta, vestal. See
Vesta.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth; hence, pure; chaste.
VESTAL
Ves"tal, n. Etym: [L. Vestalis (sc. virgo): cf. F. vestale. See
Vestal, a.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.)
Defn: A virgin consecrated to Vesta, and to the service of watching the sacred fire, which was to be perpetually kept burning upon her altar.