bast Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun strong woody fibers obtained especially from the phloem of from various plants
    bast fiber.
  2. noun (botany) tissue that conducts synthesized food substances (e.g., from leaves) to parts where needed; consists primarily of sieve tubes
    phloem.
  3. noun cat- or lion-headed Egyptian goddess; represents life-giving power of the sun

WordNet

Bast noun
Etymology
AS. bæst; akin to Icel., Sw., Dan., D., & G. bast, of unknown origin. Cf. Bass the tree.
Definitions
  1. The inner fibrous bark of various plants; esp. of the lime tree; hence, matting, cordage, etc., made therefrom.
  2. A thick mat or hassock. See 2d Bass, 2.

Webster 1913