1. to sew with long, loose stitches as a temporary measure before final sewing
Usage: sewing/tailoring term
2. to moisten (meat or other food) with melted fat or liquid while cooking
Usage: cooking term

Examples

• She basts the seams before running them through the machine permanently.
• The tailor basts the jacket pieces together to check the fit.
• He basts the turkey with pan drippings every twenty minutes.
• The chef basts the roast chicken to keep it moist and golden.
• She basts the fabric with long stitches to hold it in place during fitting.