01 n. pl. Two small, concave shells of ivory or hard wood, shaped like spoons, fastened to the thumb, and beaten together with the middle finger; -- …
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Two small, concave shells of ivory or hard wood, shaped like spoons, fastened to the thumb, and beaten together with the middle finger; -- used by the Spaniards and Moors as an accompaniment to their dance and guitars.“The dancer, holding a castanet in each hand, rattles them to the motion of his feet.” — Moore (Encyc. of Music).