Defn: Of or pertaining to Castalia, a mythical fountain of inspiration on Mt. Parnassus sacred to the Muses. Milton.
CASTANEA
Cas*ta"ne*a, n. Etym: [L., a chestnut, fr. Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of nut-bearing trees or shrubs including the chestnut and chinquapin.
CASTANET
Cas"ta*net, n.
Defn: See Castanets.
CASTANETS Cas"ta*nets, n. pl. Etym: [F. castagnettes, Sp. castañetas, fr. L. castanea (Sp. castaña) a chestnut. So named from the resemblance to two chestnuts, or because chestnuts were first used for castanets. See Chestnut.]
Defn: Two small, concave shells of ivory or hard wood, shaped like spoons, fastened to the thumb, and beaten together with the middle finger; — used by the Spaniards and Moors as an accompaniment to their dance and guitars.
Note: The singular, castanet, is used of one of the pair, or, sometimes, of the pair forming the instrument. The dancer, holding a castanet in each hand, rattles then to the motion of his feet. Moore (Encyc. of Music).
CASTAWAY
Cast"a*way, n.
1. One who, or that which, is cast away or shipwrecked.