Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Clostellum

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

CLOSTEL'LUM. Diminutive of CLOSTRUM. Either the key-hole of a lock; or, perhaps, the box-hasp into which the bolt of a lock shoots; and which would leave a crevice between itself and a door which did not fit close, so that a person might see through it, as mentioned by Petronius, Sat. 140. 11. Compare Senec. Ben. vii. 21.