vest

 
Pronunciation: /vɛst/

noun

  • 1British an undergarment worn on the upper part of the body, typically having no sleeves.
  • 2a garment worn on the upper part of the body for a particular purpose: a running vest a bulletproof vest
  • 3US & Australian a waistcoat or sleeveless jacket.

verb

  • 1 [with object] (usually be vested in) confer or bestow (power, authority, property, etc.) on someone: executive power is vested in the President
  • (usually be vested with) give (someone) the legal right to power, property, etc.: the local planning authorities are vested with powers to regulate land use and development
  • [no object] (vest in) (of power, property, etc.) come into the possession of: the bankrupt’s property vests in his trustee
  • 2 [no object] (of a chorister or member of the clergy) put on vestments: he approaches the altar to vest for Mass
  • [with object] literary dress (someone): the Speaker vested him with a rich purple robe

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb): from Old French vestu 'clothed', past participle of vestir, from Latin vestire; the noun (early 17th century, denoting a loose outer garment) from French veste, via Italian from Latin vestis 'garment'