East Ind. Also khaskas, kuskos, kus-kus, kuss-kuss; see also CUSCUS2. [Urdū (Pers.) khas-khas.] The sweet-scented root of an Indian grass, largely used in the manufacture of mats or screens (‘tatties’), which are wetted to cool the air passing through them. Also attrib.
1810. [see CUSCUS2].
1851. Art Jrnl. Illustr. Catal., in Forbes, Veg. World, II. p. iv†. Deliciously fragrant screens are made by the Hindoos from khus-khus, the Andropogon muricatum.
1886. Offic. Catal. Jrnl. Exhib., 33 (Stanf.). Fans made of the fragrant root of the khaskas grass.
1890. Sir S. Baker, Wild Beasts, I. 233. With good tents, kuskos tatties, and cool drinks, the heat was bearable.
