Dictionary entry

Chest

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Chest (chĕst), n. [OE. chest, chist, AS. cest, cist, cyst, L. cista, fr. Gr. κίστη. Cf. Cist, Cistern.] 1. A large box of wood, or other material, having, like a trunk, a lid, but no covering of skin, leather, or cloth.

Heaps of money crowded in the chest.

Dryden.

2. A coffin.

He is now dead and mailed in his cheste.

Chaucer.

3. The part of the body inclosed by the ribs and breastbone; the thorax.

4. (Com.) A case in which certain goods, as tea, opium, etc., are transported; hence, the quantity which such a case contains.

5. (Mech.) A tight receptacle or box, usually for holding gas, steam, liquids, etc.; as, the steam chest of an engine; the wind chest of an organ.

Bomb chest, See under Bomb. — Chest of drawers, a case or movable frame containing drawers.