vest
sleeveless outer garment
A piece of clothing without sleeves that you wear on the top part of your body, usually over another shirt or top.
to wear a vest over [clothing]
- She wore a puffer vest over her hoodie because it was chilly outside.
- The workers had to wear a bright orange safety vest on the construction site.
- He took off his life vest only after the boat was safely back at the dock.
- A denim vest can make a simple outfit look more stylish.
- The police officer put on a bulletproof vest before going on patrol.
- He put on a warm vest over his shirt.
- The man in the road is wearing a yellow safety vest.
- You should wear a life vest when you are in a small boat.
- She bought a black vest to wear in the winter.
- The police officer is wearing a bulletproof vest.
undershirt (especially British English)
(UK) A light top, usually made of cotton, that you wear on your upper body under your shirt to keep warm or to absorb sweat.
to wear a vest under [clothing]
- He always wears a thermal vest under his shirt in winter.
- Mum bought a pack of cotton vests for the kids.
- The doctor advised him to wear a vest so he wouldn’t catch a chill.
- She put a clean vest on the baby after the bath.
- My grandfather still wears a string vest under his work shirt.
- In the UK, many people wear a vest under their shirt.
- He put on a warm vest before his sweater.
- She bought new cotton vests for her children.
- The baby is wearing a small white vest.
- I need to wash my vests; they are dirty.
give legal rights or authority
To give a person or group legal power, rights, or property in an official way, often written in law or a contract.
to vest [rights/powers/property] in [someone/something]
- The new constitution vests significant power in regional governments.
- Under the contract, all intellectual property is vested in the company.
- The board voted to vest full authority in the interim director.
- The trust instrument vests legal title in the trustee.
- This law vests control of natural resources in the state.
- The new law vests more power in local councils.
- The agreement vests ownership of the software in the company.
- The judge said that the property was vested in the children.
- The contract vests full control in the manager.
- Their voting rights are vested in the board of directors.
of rights: become fully owned
When rights or benefits "vest", they become fully yours, and you cannot lose them, usually after you work for a company for a set time or meet some rule.
[rights/benefits] vest after [time/condition]
- Your stock options vest over four years, with 25% vesting each year.
- After three years of service, her pension benefits are fully vested.
- If you leave the company before your shares vest, you will lose them.
- The agreement states that ownership will vest upon completion of the project.
- His rights under the plan vest only if he remains employed until 2028.
- My company gives me shares that vest after four years.
- Her pension will vest when she has worked there for five years.
- If you quit now, your options will not vest.
- The benefits vest slowly over time.
- Your rights vest only after you finish the full program.
dress in ceremonial clothing
To put special clothes, often for a church or formal event, on a person.
to vest [someone] in [garment/robes]
- The bishop was vested in elaborate robes for the ceremony.
- The priest vested quickly before the start of mass.
- They vested the newly ordained deacon in his liturgical garments.
- The choir was vested in white for the Easter service.
- He watched as the clergy were solemnly vested for the procession.
- The priest was vested in special clothes for the service.
- They vested the new bishop in his robe.
- The children were vested in white robes for the ceremony.
- The pastor is already vested and ready for church.
- The choir is vested in red and gold robes.
- Base: vest
- Plural: vests
- Base: vest
- 3rd Person Singular: vests
- Present Participle: vesting
- Past: vested
be vested in
3rights or powers belong to
Used to say that legal rights or powers officially belong to someone or something, often in laws or official texts.
- All legislative powers are vested in Parliament.
- Final authority is vested in the board of directors.
- Under the constitution, sovereignty is vested in the people.
fully vested
5having complete ownership of benefits
Having complete legal rights to all of your benefits in a plan (like a pension or stock options), so you cannot lose them even if you leave the job.
- Employees become fully vested after five years of service.
- Once you are fully vested, you keep your pension even if you change companies.
- He checked his account and saw that he was already fully vested in the plan.
rights vest
4rights become fully owned
Used to say that legal rights or benefits become fully yours and can be used, often after some time or conditions.
- The rights vest after three years of continuous employment.
- Under the agreement, her rights vest immediately upon signing.
- If you resign before your rights vest, you may lose your benefits.
vest in
2formally give rights to
To give someone legal rights, power, or property in an official way, usually said as "vest [something] in [someone]".
- The new charter vests all executive power in the president.
- Ownership of the land is vested in the local council.
- The act vests decision-making authority in an independent committee.
vested interest
1personal reason to benefit from something
A strong personal reason to support or protect something because you will get a benefit from it.
- The company has a vested interest in keeping regulations weak.
- Parents have a vested interest in improving local schools.
- He opposed the changes because he had a vested interest in the old system.