/jes"tayt/ , v. , gestated, gestating .
v.t.
1. to carry in the womb during the period from conception to delivery.
2. to think of and develop (an idea, opinion, plan, etc.) slowly in the mind.
v.i.
3. to experience the process of gestating offspring.
4. to develop slowly.
[ 1865-70; gestatus ptp. of gestare to carry about, carry in the womb, freq. of gerere to bear, perform ]