I. ˈvest verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English vesten, from Middle French vestir to clothe, invest with ecclesiastical vestments, from Latin vestire to clothe, from vestis garment, attire — more at wear
transitive verb
1.
a. : to place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority
the regulation of the waterways … was vested in the corporation — Edwin Benson
especially : to give to a person a legally fixed immediate right of present or future enjoyment of (as an estate)
a deed that vests a life estate in the grantee and a remainder in his children
b. : to grant, endow, or clothe with a particular authority, right, or property
vest a court with the right to try criminal cases
the retirement plan vested the workers absolutely with the company's contribution after 10 years of continuous employment
c. : to put (a person) in possession of land by the feudal ceremony of investiture : enfeoff
2. : to clothe with or as if with a garment ; especially : to garb in ecclesiastical vestments
came vested all in white, pure as her mind — John Milton
3. : to lay out (money) : invest
intransitive verb
1. : to become legally vested
normally title to real property vests in the holder of a properly executed deed
2. : to put on garments ; especially : to robe formally for or as if for a ceremonial occasion
the little room where the priests vested for mass
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: French veste, from Italian, from Latin vestis garment, attire
1. archaic
a.
(1) : a loose outer garment worn by men (as in ancient times or eastern countries) : robe , gown
(2) : a similar garment worn by women
b. : vesture , clothing , garb
c. : an ecclesiastical vestment
2.
a. : a man's garment for wear under a coat made in varying styles and lengths ; especially : a sleeveless collarless close-fitting coat reaching just below the waist, having four small pockets, and buttoned up to a V neck
b. : a garment of similar design for women : waistcoat
c. : a protective or safety garment shaped like a man's vest and worn especially by military personnel on active duty or people in or on the water
3.
a. chiefly Britain : a man's undershirt
b. : a knitted sleeved or sleeveless undershirt for women or sometimes children
4. : a plain or decorative piece used to fill in the front neckline of a woman's outer garment (as a waist, coat, or gown) — compare dickey
III. abbreviation
vestibule
IV. noun
: an insulated sleeveless waist-length garment often worn under or in place of a coat