Obs. rare–1. In 6 bassil. [a. OF. basile BASILISK: see prec.]
1. = BASILISK 3.
c. 1565. R. Lindsay, Chron. Scot. (1728), 108. She bare many cannons … with three great bassils.
† 2. An ‘iron’ or fetter fastened round the ankle of a prisoner. Obs. (Perhaps a distinct word.)
1592. Greene, Art Conny Catch., II. 31. Clap a strong paire of bolts on his heeles, and a basill of 28. pound weight.
1755. Mem. Capt. P. Drake, I. xiii. 106. One of my Irons taken off … only one of the Bassils, which did not weigh above two Pounds out of thirty.
1865. Sala, in N. & Q., Ser. III. VIII. 369/2. The iron ring or fetter which English convicts were wont to wear round one ankle was called a Basil.
