I. pas-ˈtel noun
Etymology: French, from Italian pastello, from Late Latin pastellus woad, from diminutive of pasta
Date: 1662
1. : a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for making crayons ; also : a crayon made of such paste
2.
a. : a drawing in pastel
b. : the process or art of drawing with pastels
3. : a light literary sketch
4. : any of various pale or light colors
II. adjective
Date: 1884
1.
a. : of or relating to a pastel
b. : made with pastels
2. : pale and light in color
3. : lacking in body or vigor