Main Entry:

¹nest

Pronunciation:

\ˈnest\

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 nest2 a: a place of rest, retreat, or lodging : home <grown children who have left the nest> b: den, hangout3: the occupants or frequenters of a nest4 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 another6: an emplaced group of weapons