Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bast \Bast\, n. [AS. b[ae]st; akin to Icel., Sw., Dan., D., & G.
   bast, of unknown origin. Cf. {Bass} the tree.]
   1. The inner fibrous bark of various plants; esp. of the lime
      tree; hence, matting, cordage, etc., made therefrom.

   2. A thick mat or hassock. See 2d {Bass}, 2.

Source : WordNet®

bast
     n 1: strong woody fibers obtained especially from the phloem of
          from various plants [syn: {bast fiber}]
     2: (botany) tissue that conducts synthesized food substances
        (e.g., from leaves) to parts where needed; consists
        primarily of sieve tubes [syn: {phloem}]
     3: cat- or lion-headed Egyptian goddess; represents life-giving
        power of the sun