<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a close-fitting, waist-length, sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, designed to be worn under a jacket.</li><li>a part or trimming simulating the front of such a garment; vestee.</li><li>a waist-length garment worn for protective purposes: a bulletproof vest.</li><li>a sleeveless, waist- or hip-length garment made of various materials, with a front opening usually secured by buttons, a zipper, or the like, worn over a shirt, blouse, dress, or other article for style or warmth: a sweater vest; a down vest.</li><li>(British) an undervest or undershirt.</li><li>a long garment resembling a cassock, worn by men in the time of Charles II.</li><li>(archaic) dress; apparel.</li><li>an outer garment, robe, or gown.</li><li>an ecclesiastical vestment.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to clothe; dress; robe.</li><li>to dress in ecclesiastical vestments: to vest a bishop.</li><li>to cover or drape (an altar).</li><li>to place or settle (something, especially property, rights, powers, etc.) in the possession or control of someone (usually followed by in): to vest authority in a new official.</li><li>to invest or endow (a person, group, committee, etc.) with something, as powers, functions, or rights: to vest the board with power to increase production; to vest an employee with full benefits in the pension plan.</li><li>(used without object) to put on vestments.</li><li>to become vested in a person, as a right.</li><li>to devolve upon a person as possessor; pass into possession or ownership.</li></ul>