A cast of the eye, a slight squint or strabismus. -- Renal cast (Med.), microscopic bodies found in the urine of persons affected with disease of the kidneys; -- so called because they are formed of matter deposited in, and preserving the outline of, the renal tubes. -- The last cast, the last throw of the dice or last effort, on which every thing is ventured; the last chance.
Cas*ta"li*an (?), a. [L. Castalius] Of or pertaining to Castalia, a mythical fountain of inspiration on Mt. Parnassus sacred to the Muses. Milton.
||Cas*ta"ne*a (?), n. [L., a chestnut, fr. Gr. &?;.] (Bot.) A genus of nut-bearing trees or shrubs including the chestnut and chinquapin.
Cas"ta*net (?), n. See Castanets.
Cas"ta*nets, n. pl. [F. castagnettes, Sp. casta˝etas, fr. L. castanea (Sp. casta˝a) a chestnut. So named from the resemblance to two chestnuts, or because chestnuts were first used for castanets. See Chestnut.] 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.
&fist; 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).
Cast"a*way (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, is cast away or shipwrecked.