a. [ L. Vestalis belonging to Vesta, vestal. See Vesta. ] Of or pertaining to Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth; hence, pure; chaste. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. Vestalis (sc. virgo): cf. F. vestale. See Vestal, a. ]
☞ The Vestals were originally four, but afterward six, in number. Their term of service lasted thirty years, the period of admission being from the sixth to the tenth year of the candidate's age. [ 1913 Webster ]
How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
‖n. pl. [ NL. See Vestal. ] (Zool.) A group of butterflies including those known as virgins, or gossamer-winged butterflies. [ 1913 Webster ]