Vestments

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A set of ceremonial or formal clothing worn by clergy during religious services
2. The garments specifically designed for use in liturgical functions, often denoting rank or office
3. Elaborate attire typically associated with religious duties, symbolizing authority and spiritual significance

Etymology: "Vestments" is the plural of "vestment," a word that began as ordinary clothing before narrowing to the garments of worship. It reached English in Middle English from Old French "vestement," which descended from Latin "vestīmentum," meaning garment or clothing of any kind. The Latin root is "vestis," cloth or clothing, the same ancestor that gave English "vest" and "wardrobe" through different routes. The Latin suffix "-mentum" marks the result of an action or a thing used for something, so "vestīmentum" was simply a piece of dress. Over the centuries, as English speakers reserved the word for clothing worn by clergy during services, it lost its everyday sense and took on the ceremonial, authoritative tone it carries now.

Synonyms: garments, clothes, attire, raiment, apparel