n.
Pronunciation: ' nest
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German nest nest, Latin nidus
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a bed or receptacle prepared by an animal and especially a bird for its eggs and young b : a place or specially modified structure serving as an abode of animals and especially of their immature stages <an ants' nest > c : a receptacle resembling a bird's nest
2 a : a place of rest, retreat, or lodging : HOME <grown children who have left the nest > b : DEN , HANGOUT
3 : the occupants or frequenters of a nest
4 a : a group of similar things <a nest of giant mountains ― Helen MacInnes> b : HOTBED 2 <a nest of rebellion>
5 : a group of objects made to fit close together or one within another
6 : an emplaced group of weapons