— vestless , adj. — vestlike , adj.
/vest/ , n.
1. a close-fitting, waist-length, sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, designed to be worn under a jacket.
2. a part or trimming simulating the front of such a garment; vestee. Cf. dickey 1 (def. 1).
3. a waist-length garment worn for protective purposes: a bulletproof vest.
4. a sleeveless, waist- or hip-length garment made of various materials, with a front opening usually secured by buttons, a zipper, or the like, worn over a shirt, blouse, dress, or other article for style or warmth: a sweater vest; a down vest.
5. Brit. an undervest or undershirt.
6. a long garment resembling a cassock, worn by men in the time of Charles II.
7. Archaic.
a. dress; apparel.
b. an outer garment, robe, or gown.
c. an ecclesiastical vestment.
8. play it close to the vest , Informal. to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
v.t.
9. to clothe; dress; robe.
10. to dress in ecclesiastical vestments: to vest a bishop.
11. to cover or drape (an altar).
12. to place or settle (something, esp. property, rights, powers, etc.) in the possession or control of someone (usually fol. by in ): to vest authority in a new official.
13. to invest or endow (a person, group, committee, etc.) with something, as powers, functions, or rights: to vest the board with power to increase production; to vest an employee with full benefits in the pension plan.
v.i.
14. to put on vestments.
15. to become vested in a person, as a right.
16. to devolve upon a person as possessor; pass into possession or ownership.
[ 1375-1425; (n.) late ME veste robe, dress vestis garment; (v.) late ME vestir vestire to clothe, deriv. of vestis; akin to WEAR ]