CASTANETS (Fr. eastaynette, from Lat. cast.inen. chestnut. so called from the shape). A musical instrument of percussion, usually in the form of two hollow nutshells, which are tied together by a band fastened on the thumb, and struck by the fingers to produce a rattling sound in keeping with the rhythm of the ,musie. The castanets were introduced into Spain by the Moors, where they retain the name of cas tafiuclas, from their resemblance to the form of the chestnut. The castanets are now much used in the ballet and in the opera.
CASTAgOS, kA-stiVny6s, DoN FRANctsco ;XAVIER DE, Duke of Baylen (e.1756-1852). A celebrated Spanish general. He was born in Madrid. and after receiving a military training in Germany entered the Spanish Army and served with distinction in the campaign of 1794 against the French. When the French invaded Spain, Castafios received the command of a division of the Spanish army, and on July 22. ISOS, com pelled 20.000 French under General Dupont to surrender at Baylen. It is asserted, however, by some, that the merit of this success belongs more to Aloys Reding. a Swiss by birth, and the sec
ond in command. In November of the same year Castafios was in turn defeated by the French at Tudela. Upon the arrival or Wellington he was again placed at the head of the Spanish army, which he led, tinder Wellington, in the important battles of Albuera, Salamanca, and Vitoria, in the last of which particularly he distinguished him self. In 1815 he was placed at the head of 80,000 troops destined to invade France, some of which had already crossed the frontier when the news came of the battle of Waterloo. Although he was not a favorite with the Court politicians, his talents could not be overlooked. In 1825 he was called to the State Council, where he be came a decided opponent of the Carlist party. Castafios was made Duke of Baylen in 1S33, and in 1843 became the guardian of Queen Isabella. lle subsequently returned to his estates, and died at the age of 96.