Pl. -i. [L.: a. Gr. κάλαθος vase-shaped basket, as seen on the head of Demeter in ancient Greek statues.]
1. An ancient basket (in sculpture, etc.).
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., The calathus or work-basket of Minerva, is no less celebrated among the poets, than her distaff.
1846. Ellis, Elgin Marbles, I. 20. On the head is a calathus, or basket.
1857. Birch, Anc. Pottery, I. (1858), 43.
2. Bot. = CALATHIDIUM; ‘The head of flowers borne by composites’ (Treas. Bot., 1866).
