Ves"tal (?), a. [L. Vestalis belonging to Vesta, vestal. See Vesta.] Of
or pertaining to Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth; hence, pure;
chaste.
Ves"tal, n. [L. Vestalis (sc. virgo): cf. F. vestale. See Vestal, a.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) A virgin consecrated to Vesta, and to the service of
watching the sacred fire, which was to be perpetually kept burning upon
her altar.
The Vestals were originally four, but afterward six, in number. Their
term of service lasted thirty years, the period of admission being from
the sixth to the tenth year of the candidate's age.