Vest (vĕst), n. [L. vestis a garment, vesture; akin to Goth. wasti, and E. wear: cf. F. veste. See Wear to carry on the person, and cf. Divest, Invest, Travesty.]
1. An article of clothing covering the person; an outer garment; a vestment; a dress; a vesture; a robe.
In state attended by her maiden train,
Who bore the vests that holy rites require. Dryden.
2. Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vest
Deceitfully goes forth the morn. Wordsworth.
3. Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
Syn. — Garment; vesture; dress; robe; vestment; waistcoat. — Vest, Waistcoat. In England, the original word waistcoat is generally used for the body garment worn over the shirt and immediately under the coat. In the United States this garment is commonly called a vest, and the waistcoat is often improperly given to an under-garment.