1.n. An arch, or ceiling, of boards, placed over the men's heads in a mine.
Medical Definition of Astel
1. An arch, or ceiling, of boards, placed over the men's heads in a mine.
Origin: OE. Astelle piece of wood, OF. Astele splinter, shaving, F. Attelle, astelle: cf. L. Astula, dim. Of assis board.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)