ˈwāst noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English wast, waste, from (assumed) Old English wæst growth; akin to Old English wæstm growth, increase, Old Norse vöxtr, Gothic wahstus growth, increase, Old English weaxan to grow, increase — more at wax
1.
a. : the part of the human body immediately below the ribs or thorax : the small part of the body between the thorax and hips
b. : the greatly constricted basal part of the abdomen of some insects (as various wasps and flies)
2. : the part of something that corresponds in position to or in some way resembles the human waist : the middle or central part especially when narrower or less thick than the ends
the waist of a boiler
the waist of a saddle
the waist of a violin
the narrow waist of a peninsula
as
a. : the part of a vessel's deck between the poop and forecastle : the middle part of a sailing vessel between foremast and mainmast
b. : the smallest part of a shoe or last between the ball and instep
c.
(1) : the narrow after-portion of the fuselage of an airplane
(2) : the middle section of the fuselage of a bomber
3. obsolete : a belt for the waist : girdle
4.
a. : a garment or the part of a garment covering the body from the neck to the waistline or just below:
(1) : the upper part of a woman's dress
(2) : blouse
(3) : a child's undergarment to which other garments may be buttoned
b. : waistline