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Bast

1. The inner fibrous bark of various plants; especially. Of the lime tree; hence, matting, cordage, etc, made therefrom.

2. A thick mat or hassock. See bass.

Origin: as. Baest; akin to Icel, Sw, dan, D, & g. Bast, of unknown origin. Cf. Bass the tree. (botany) tissue that conducts synthesized food substances (e.g., from leaves) to parts where needed; consists primarily of sieve tubes.