Pl. ansæ. Formerly anglicized (through Fr.) as anse, -s. [L. ansa handle (of a vessel, tool).] A name applied to the apparent ends of Saturn’s ring seen projecting like two handles beyond the disk of the planet.
1665–6. Phil. Trans., I. 155. The present Figure of his Anses or Ring.
1721. Bailey, Ansae, Anses, are the various positions of the ring of Saturn, which sometimes appear like Handles to the Body of that planet.
1876. Chambers, Astron., 246. Saw both one ansa and the ball [of Saturn] flattened.
