from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gasket \Gas"ket\, n. [Cf. F. garcette, It. gaschetta, Sp. cajeta
caburn, garceta reef point.]
1. (Naut.) A line or band used to lash a furled sail
securely. {Sea gaskets} are common lines; {harbor gaskets}
are plaited and decorated lines or bands. Called also
{casket}.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mech.)
(a) The plaited hemp used for packing a piston, as of the
steam engine and its pumps.
(b) Any ring or washer of made of a compressible material,
used to make joints impermeable to fluids.
[1913 Webster]