vestment

American  

[vest-muhnt] / ˈvɛst mənt /

noun

1. a garment, especially an outer garment.

2. Chiefly Literary. vestments, attire; clothing.

3. an official or ceremonial robe.

4. Ecclesiastical.

   1. one of the garments worn by the clergy and their assistants, choristers, etc., during divine service and on other occasions.

   2. one of the garments worn by the celebrant, deacon, and subdeacon during the celebration of the Eucharist.

5. something that clothes or covers like a garment.

   a mountaintop with a vestment of clouds.

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vestment British  

/ ˈvɛstmənt, vɛstˈmɛntəl /

noun

1. a garment or robe, esp one denoting office, authority, or rank

2. any of various ceremonial garments worn by the clergy at religious services

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Other Word Forms

• subvestment noun
• supervestment noun
• vestmental adjective
• vestmented adjective

Etymology

Origin of vestment

1250–1300; syncopated variant of Middle English vestiment < Medieval Latin vestīmentum priestly robe, Latin: garment, equivalent to vestī ( re ) to dress ( vest ) + -mentum -ment

Explanation

A vestment is a garment worn at special ceremonies by a clergy member. For example, a priest would wear a vestment in church, but out in the community, he would wear a shirt and pants. You know that a vest is a piece of clothing — a sleeveless shirt or sweater. Vest can also be a verb that describes putting on clothing, typically garments related to a religious ceremony. Both vest and vestment come from the Latin word vestimentum, meaning "clothing, clothes." Vestments include ankle-length robes called cassocks and strips of fabric that go around the neck, which are called stoles.

Example Sentences

He was clad in a miter, red vestments and simple black shoes, but not the silver staff with crucifix or pallium, the vestment symbolizing papal authority.

From New York Times • Jan. 2, 2023

At LACMA, a stunning silver monstrance, sumptuous church vestment embroidery, boxes inlaid with bone and tortoiseshell, and carved wooden trays painted in a dense profusion of floral patterns draw the comparison.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2022

Scott had descended from his ridgetop cabin in a white robe and red clerical vestment, and was now singing reggae songs through a PA system.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2021

The pontiff also used Paul’s staff, chalice and pallium vestment.

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2018

And the archdeacon, indignant, offering him a short and narrow vestment, he received it humbly, and went up to celebrate mass.

From The Story of Assisi by Gordon, Lina Duff

Related Words

• frock
• garb
• robe
• stole
• tunic