vestment

noun

vest·​ment ˈves(t)-mənt 

1

a

: an outer garment

especially : a robe of ceremony or office

b

vestments ˈves(t)-mənts  plural : clothing, garb

2

: a covering resembling a garment

3

: one of the articles of the ceremonial attire and insignia worn by ecclesiastical officiants and assistants as indicative of their rank and appropriate to the rite being celebrated

vestmental

ves(t)-ˈmen-tᵊl 

adjective

Synonyms

• apparel
• attire
• clobber [British slang]
• clothes
• clothing
• costumery
• dress
• duds
• garments
• gear
• habiliment(s)
• habit [archaic]
• rags
• raiment
• rig
• rigging
• threads
• toggery
• togs
• vestiary
• vesture
• wear
• wearables
• weeds

Examples of vestment in a Sentence

wore professional vestments to the interview to give her potential future employer a good first impression

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to royals and other members sporting the ensemble each year for the ceremony, the Prince of Wales wore the Order of the Garter vestment at his father's coronation in May 2023. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 17 June 2024

Some were hiding behind the vestments for the sake of others. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2024

This is where the California bishop (currently Marc Handley Andrus) keeps a private camp to pray and store liturgical vestments. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024

Worshipers then and now would recognize the stained glass and Greek mosaics, the Lenten hymns and prayers, and the Catholic priest in ceremonial vestments at the altar. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vestement, from Anglo-French, from Latin vestimentum, from vestire to clothe

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

vestment

noun

vest·​ment ˈves(t)-mənt 

: an outer garment especially for wear during ceremonies or by an official