vest

vest [vest]

n.

[Fr veste < It < L vestis, garment < IE base * wes-, to clothe > OE werian, to WEAR¹]

1.

a) a short, tightfitting, sleeveless garment worn, esp. under a suit coat, by men

b) a similar garment worn by women

c) an insert or trimming worn under the bodice by women, simulating the front of a man's vest

2.

a) a calf-length, cassocklike garment worn by men in the time of Charles II

b) Rare any long robe

3.

a) a girl's undershirt

b) Chiefly Brit. any undershirt

4. Obs. vesture; clothing

vt.

[ME vesten < OFr vestir < L vestire < the n.]

1. to dress, as in church vestments; clothe

2. to place (authority, power, property rights, etc.) in the control of a person or group (with in)

3. to put (a person) in possession or control of, as power or authority; invest (with something)

vi.

1. to put on garments or vestments; clothe oneself

2. to pass to a person; become vested (in a person), as property

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☆ play (it) close to the vest [in allusion to the way a card player holds a hand of cards so they cannot be seen by others]

1. to be reserved, secretive, etc.; keep (one's plans, thoughts, etc.) to oneself

2. to take no risks; be cautious, conservative, etc.