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HASTA

Volume 8 · 86 words · 1797 Edition

or Hasta Pura, among medalists, signifies a kind of spear or javelin, not fished or headed with iron; or rather an ancient sceptre, somewhat longer than ordinary, occasionally given to all the gods.

The hasta is supposed a symbol of the goodness of the gods, and of the conduct of providence, which is equally mild and forcible.

in some countries, is a measure or quantity of ground amounting to thirty paces: thus called, according to M. Du-Cange, from the hasta or rod wherewith it was measured.