CASKET  , a small

box or coffer, commonly used for jewels, money, papers, or other objects of value . The etymology is doubtful . It is possibly a diminutive of " cask," a barrel for wine or other liquor . The Spanish casco meant also a skull, helmet, or rind of an onion, and is probably connected with cascar, tobreak open,Latin quassare,French casser, to break, shake . The French casque, casquet, of the same origin is only used of a helmet, and the sense of " small chest " is not found in languages other than English . Skeat suggests that the word is a corruption of French cassette, diminutive of casse, box, Latin capsa, from capere, to hold, contain, cf . English " case ." History and literature are full of references to the often disconcerting contents of these famous receptacles . The " Casket Letters " (q.v.) are one of the mysteries of history . Ha:'pagnon's casket plays an important part in Moliere's L'Avare; Bluebeard gives his too-curious wife the keys of his caskets filled with precious stones; the contents of Sainte-Croix's casket brought about the trial and condemnation of the marquise de Brinvilliers, the poisoner . This very ancient piece of furniture was no doubt derived from the chest, which was the original wardrobe . It was often an object of great value, covered with ivory, enamel, or stamped leather, enriched with precious metals, or encrusted with jewels . One which belonged to St Louis and is preserved in the Louvre is covered with enamelled shields of arms and other decorations .

In the 16th and 17th centuries

secret hiding-places were some-times in the thickness of the lid or in a false bottom .