— investor , n.
/in vest"/ , v.t.
1. to put (money) to use, by purchase or expenditure, in something offering potential profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation in value.
2. to use (money), as in accumulating something: to invest large sums in books.
3. to use, give, or devote (time, talent, etc.), as for a purpose or to achieve something: He invested a lot of time in helping retarded children.
4. to furnish with power, authority, rank, etc.: The Constitution invests the president with the power of veto.
5. to furnish or endow with a power, right, etc.; vest: Feudalism invested the lords with absolute authority over their vassals.
6. to endow with a quality or characteristic: to invest a friend with every virtue.
7. to infuse or belong to, as a quality or characteristic: Goodness invests his every action.
8. Metall. to surround (a pattern) with an investment.
9. to provide with the insignia of office.
10. to install in an office or position.
11. to clothe, attire, or dress.
12. to cover, adorn, or envelop: Spring invests the trees with leaves.
13. to surround (a place) with military forces or works so as to prevent approach or escape; besiege.
v.i.
14. to invest money; make an investment: to invest in oil stock.
[ 1525-35; investire to install, invest (money), surround, clothe in, L: to clothe in, equiv. to in- IN- 2 + vestire to clothe, deriv. of vestis garment; see VEST ]