cast1

verb (pastand past participle cast /kast/)

• 1 [with object] throw (something) forcefully in a specified direction:lemmings cast themselves off the cliff figurativeindividuals who do not accept the norms are cast out from the group
• throw (something) so as to cause it to spread over an area:the fishermen cast a large net around a school of tuna figurativehe cast his net far and wide in search of evidence
• direct (one’s eyes or a look) at something:she cast down her eyes [with two objects]:she cast him a desperate glance
• throw the hooked and baited end of (a fishing line) out into the water.
• register (a vote):residents turned out in record numbers to cast their votes
• Hunting let loose (hounds) on a scent.
• [no object] Hunting (of a dog) search in different directions for a lost scent:the dog cast furiously for the vanished rabbit
• let down (an anchor or sounding line).

• 2 [with object] cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface:the moon cast a pale light over the cottages figurativerunning costs were already casting a shadow over the program
• cause (uncertainty or disparagement) to be associated with something:journalists cast doubt on the government’s version of events I do not wish to cast aspersions on your honesty
• cause (a magic spell) to take effect:the witch cast a spell on her to turn her into a beast figurativethe city casts a spell on the visitor

• 3 [with object] discard:the issue was cast from the list of concerns
• shed (skin or horns) in the process of growth:the antlers are cast each year
• (of a horse) lose (a shoe).

• 4 [with object] shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mold while molten.
• make (a molded object) by pouring metal or other material into a mold while molten:a bell was cast for the church
• arrange and present in a specified form or style:he issued statements cast in tones of reason
• calculate and record details of (a horoscope).

• 5 [no object] (in country dancing) change one’s position by moving a certain number of places in a certain direction along the outside of the line in which one is dancing.

noun

• 1an object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mold:bronze casts of the sculpture
• (also plaster cast) a mold used to make an object by casting.
• (also plaster cast) a bandage stiffened with plaster of Paris, molded to the shape of a limb that is broken, and used to support and protect it.

• 2an act of throwing something forcefully:he grabbed a spear for a third cast
• archaic at dice, a throw or a number thrown.
• Fishing a throw of a fishing line.

• 3 [with adjective] the form or appearance of something, especially someone’s features or complexion:she had a somewhat masculine cast of countenance the colors he wore emphasized the olive cast of his skin
• the character of something:this question is for minds of a more philosophical cast than mine

• 4a slight squint:he had a cast in one eye

• 5a convoluted mass of earth or sand ejected onto the surface by a burrowing worm.
• a pellet regurgitated by a hawk or owl.

• 6a search made by a hound or pack of hounds over a wide area to find a trail.