Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Carbasus

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

CAR'BASUS (κάρπασος). A fine sort of flax produced in Spain; whence the name is given to anything made from it; as a linen garment (Virg. Aen. viii. 34.); the awning stretched over the uncovered part of a theatre or amphitheatre, as a shield against the sun and rain (Lucret. vi. 109. see VELUM); the sail of a ship (Virg. Aen. iii. 357. VELUM); the Sibylline books, which were made of linen. Claud. B. Gil. 232., &c.