vestiture

noun

ves·​ti·​ture

ˈvestəˌchu̇(ə)r,

-ˌchu̇ə,

-chə(r),

-təˌtu̇-,

-tə‧ˌtyu̇-

plural -s

1

: investiture

a vestiture of power in the proletariat

—Philip Wylie

2

: clothing, garb, dress

3

: something that covers a surface like a garment

especially : a covering (as of scales, hairs, or spines) on an insect's body or wings

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin vestitura, from Latin vestitus (past participle of vestire to clothe, put on) + -ura -ure

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!