basts

Noun (1)

bast (countable and uncountable, plural basts)

1. Inner bark of a tree from which rope is traditionally made.
2. Fibre made from the phloem of certain plants (particularly the lime tree) and used for making ropes, cords and matting.
   • [T]here would be seen his face, or that of his elder brother, peering down. A guttural sound, and the tip-tap of bast slippers beating the narrow wooden stairs, and he would stand before one without coat, a little bent, in leather apron, with sleeves turned back, blinking[…]1912, John Galsworthy, Quality

Noun (2)

bast (uncountable)

1. (obsolete) Bastardy, illegitimacy of birth.

See all 4 meanings of bast