a course of horses and chariots, or a magnificent entertainment exhibited by princes on some public rejoicing. It consists in a cavalcade of several gentlemen, richly dressed and equipped after the manner of ancient cavaliers, divided into squadrons, meeting in some public place, and practising jousts, tournaments, &c.—The last carousals were in the reign of Louis XIV.—The word comes from the Italian word carrofello, a diminutive of carro, "chariot." Tertullian ascribes the invention of carousals to Circe; and will have them instituted in honour of the Sun, her father; whence some derive the word from carrus, or carrus folis. The Moors introduced ciphers, liveries, and other ornaments of their arms, with trappings, &c., for their horses. The Goths added crests, plumes, &c.