1.  A box or chest. Specifically: (a) A bronze receptacle, round or oval, frequently decorated with engravings on the sides and cover, and with feet, handles, etc., of decorative castings. (b) A cinerary urn. See Illustration in Appendix. [1913 Webster]

2.  See Cyst. [1913 Webster]

cist, n. (also kist) Archaeol. a coffin or burial-chamber made from stone or a hollowed tree.

cist, n. Gk Antiq. a box used for sacred utensils.

Etymology:
L cista f. Gk kiste box