mess jacket

noun

1. a short, tailless jacket extending to just below the waist, used for semiformal military occasions and now especially as part of the uniform of waiters, bellhops, etc.

mess jacket

noun

1. a waist-length jacket tapering to a point at the back, worn by officers in the mess for formal dinners

Word History and Origins

Origin of mess jacket¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Of course, you have not got your full kit yet; but you will want a mess jacket and waistcoat.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, after that business of the mess-jacket, anything resembling weakness would have been fatal.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Dixon lost no time in changing his smart mess-jacket for a thicker coat.

From Project Gutenberg

And he walked away, limping, his white mess jacket a pale spot in the gloom.

From Project Gutenberg

So he hooked the dark collar of his new mess-jacket, and went to dinner like a prince who has newly inherited his father's crown.

From Project Gutenberg