vest

²vest

noun

Definition of VEST

1

archaic a : a loose outer garment : robe b : clothing, garb

2

a : a sleeveless garment for the upper body usually worn over a shirt b : a protective usually sleeveless garment (as a life preserver) that extends to the waist c : an insulated sleeveless waist-length garment often worn under or in place of a coat

3

a chiefly British : a man's sleeveless undershirt b : a knitted undershirt for women

4

: a plain or decorative piece used to fill in the front neckline of a woman's outer garment (as a blouse or dress)

— vest·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Origin of VEST

French veste, from Italian, from Latin vestis garment

First Known Use: 1613

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator