Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nassa \Nas"sa\, n.; pl. E. {Nassas}, L. {Nass[AE]}. [From L.
   nassa a kind of basket, in allusion to the reticulation of
   some species.] (Zo["o]l.)
   Any species of marine gastropods, of the genera {Nassa},
   {Tritia}, and other allied genera of the family {Nassid[ae]};
   a dog whelk. See Illust. under {Gastropoda}. -- {nas"soid},
   a.