Illustration of cesta
cesta
noun
ces·ta ˈse-stə 
: a narrow curved wicker basket used to catch and propel the ball in jai alai
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Dubbed the world’s fastest ball sport, jai alai involves players hurling and catching a pelota with a cesta on a three-walled court. 
Arian Campo-flores, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2022 During the past few months, the athletes have been learning to maneuver long, curved baskets (cestas) strapped to their hands, and hurl the ball (pelota) against the court walls at speeds up to 170 mph. Michelle Kaufman, miamiherald, 29 June 2018
Arian Campo-flores, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2022 During the past few months, the athletes have been learning to maneuver long, curved baskets (cestas) strapped to their hands, and hurl the ball (pelota) against the court walls at speeds up to 170 mph. Michelle Kaufman, miamiherald, 29 June 2018 Word History
Etymology
Spanish, literally, basket, from Latin cista box, basket
First Known Use
1897, in the meaning defined above