cást

Cást is a term encountered mainly as a stylized or constructed form of the word caste, used in speculative fiction, worldbuilding exercises, and some academic discussions. It is not a standard linguistic category in established languages, but it is employed to denote a social grouping or stratification within a fictional or hypothetical society. In such uses, a cást may be hereditary or earned, and it can influence occupation, residence, privileges, and the right to marry or form alliances.

Etymology and orthography: The acute accent on the a signals a foreign-sounding or archaic flavor, helping to set cást apart from real-world terms. Authors often use this diacritic to suggest a language or historical tradition distinct from contemporary pronunciation or spelling.

Functional features: In a cást-based system, movement between cásts, rules governing marriage, access to resources, and eligibility for leadership or ritual roles are central elements. Mobility is typically constrained, with exceptions arising through specific rites, exceptional achievement, or change in status within the system.

Variants and related terms: Cásts are analogous to castes in social theory and fiction. Different works may imagine hierarchies ranging from a few broad cást divisions to many specialized groups, sometimes structured as guilds or occupational strata. The term cást is primarily a worldbuilding convention and is often analyzed to explore themes of inequality, identity, and social mobility.

See also: caste, caste system, social stratification, class.