carbăsus, i, f. (m., Val. Max. 1, 1, 7; acc. sing. n. carbasum leve, Pacat. Paneg. in Theod. 33); plur. heterocl. carbăsa, ōrum, n. (acc. m. carbasos supremos, Amm. 14, 8, 14), = κάρπασος [Heb.; Sanscr. karpāsa, cotton],
I very fine Spanish flax (unwrought or woven), fine linen , cambric , Plin. 19, 1, 2, § 10; Cat. 64, 227; plur. carbasa, Col. 10, 17 (Bip. galbana).—
II Transf., of things made of carbasus,
A A fine linen garment , Verg. A. 8, 34 Serv.; cf. Non. p. 541, 13 sq.; Curt. 8, 9, 21; Val. Max. 1, 1, 7; cf. Prop. 4 (5), 11, 54.—In plur.: carbasa, Ov. M. 11, 48; Luc. 3, 239; Val. Fl. 6, 225, and adj.: carbasa lina, Prop. 4 (5), 3, 64.—
B A curtain , Lucr. 6, 109.—
C A sail , as the Engl. canvas , Enn. Ann. 560 Vahl.; Verg. A. 3, 357; 4, 417.—In plur., Ov. M. 6, 233; 11, 477; 13, 419; 14, 533; id. H. 7, 171; id. F. 3, 587; Luc. 3, 596 al.—
D The Sibylline books , written upon linen , Claud. B. Get. 232.