Vest

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /vɛst/

Definitions

1. A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, typically as part of formal or business attire
2. A sleeveless article of clothing, often worn over a dress shirt for style or warmth, can also refer to a ceremonial garment or a protective layer in some professions
3. A sleeveless piece of clothing worn on the upper body over another shirt ; to officially grant rights or property to someone by legal or formal means

Etymology: Before it named a sleeveless garment worn under a shirt or coat, "vest" was a general word for clothing of any kind. Its root is the Latin "vestis," meaning a garment, gown or robe, which also gave English "vestment" and "vesture." The shared ancestor is an Indo-European root meaning "to be dressed," the same source as "wear." The English noun comes through French. The Old French "veste" meant a jacket or garment, and English borrowed it with that broad sense before narrowing it. The shift to the modern waistcoat-like sense came later, as the word settled on a single item of dress rather than clothing in general. The verb is a separate step: "to vest" means to clothe, or to place authority or rights in someone. That sense of being dressed in an office or power gave the word its formal, legal flavour. The garment and the verb share a root, though the verb's uses have moved far from the sleeveless top.

Synonyms: waistcoat, jacket, gilet, outerwear, attire

Antonyms: disrobe, strip, bare, undress, remove