Note: The carat equals three and one fifth grains Troy, and is divided into four grains, sometimes called carat grains. Diamonds and other precious stones are estimated by carats and fractions of carats, and pearls, usually, by carat grains. Titfany.
2. A twenty-fourth part; — a term used in estimating the proportionate fineness of gold.
Note: A mass of metal is said to be so many carats fine, according to the number of twenty-fourths of pure gold which it contains; as, 22 carats fine (goldsmith's standard) = 22 parts of gold, 1 of copper, and 1 of silver.
CARAVAN Car"a*van, n. Etym: [F. caravane (cf. Sp. caravana), fr. Per. karmwan a caravan (in sense 1). Cf. Van a wagon.]
1. A company of travelers, pilgrims, or merchants, organized and equipped for a long journey, or marching or traveling together, esp. through deserts and countries infested by robbers or hostile tribes, as in Asia or Africa.
2. A large, covered wagon, or a train of such wagons, for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition; an itinerant show, as of wild beasts.
3. A covered vehicle for carrying passengers or for moving furniture, etc.; — sometimes shorted into van.
CARAVANEER
Car`a*van*eer", n. Etym: [Cf. F. caravanier.]
Defn: The leader or driver of the camels in caravan.
CARAVANSARY
Car`a*van"sa*ry, n.; pl. Caravansaries Etym: [F. caravansérai, fr.
Per. karwansara\'8b; karwan caravan + -sara\'8b palace, large house,
inn.]