I.the hearth of a house, fireside, Hom., Aesch., etc.; the shrine of the household gods, and a sanctuary for suppliants (ἐφέστιοι), ἐπὶ τὴν ἑστίαν καθίζεσθαι Thuc.
2.the house itself, a dwelling, home (as we say fireside), Hdt., Trag.: metaph. of the last home, the grave, Soph.
3.a household, family, Hdt.
4.an altar, shrine, Trag.; γᾶς μεσόμφαλος ἑστ., of the Delphic shrine, Eur.
II.as nom. pr.