Căs’ta-nĕt, n.

n. [Fr. castagnette, It. castagnetta, castagnola, Sp. castañeta, castañuela, Pg. castanheta, from Lat. castanea, It. castagna, Sp. castaña, Pr. castanha, Fr. châtaigne, a chestnut; so named from the resemblance to two chestnuts.] An instrument composed of small, concave shells of ivory or hard wood, shaped like spoons, placed together, fastened to the thumb, and beat with the middle finger.

☞ This instrument is used by the Spaniards and Moors as an accompaniment to their dances and guitars.