Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ceremonial robe or garment, especially one worn by clergy during religious services: A vestment is a piece of clothing that holds symbolic significance and is worn for official duties, particularly in Christian liturgical contexts.

Usage

• Vestments are worn by priests, ministers, or other clergy members during church services, ceremonies, or rituals.
• The specific type, color, and style of a vestment can signify the liturgical season, the rank of the wearer, or the nature of the ceremony.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The bishop wore elaborate silk vestments for the Easter service.
  • Preparing the liturgical vestments is an important part of the sacristan's duties.
  • The simple linen vestment contrasted with the ornate altar.

Advanced Usage

• "To be vested in": To be clothed or invested with ceremonial garments, often symbolizing authority or office.
  • The new priest was vested in traditional robes during the ordination ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• Vest (verb): To place authority, property, or rights in the control of a person or group. (Note: This is a distinct meaning from the ceremonial garment).
• Vestiary (noun): A room where vestments are kept; a sacristy.
• Investiture (noun): The formal ceremony of conferring the authority and symbols of an office, which often includes the bestowing of vestments.

Synonyms

• Ecclesiastical garment: A general term for clothing worn by clergy.
• Liturgical vesture: Clothing specifically for worship services.
• Canonicals: The traditional vestments prescribed by canon law for clergy.

Related Phrases

• Vestment closet: A cabinet or room for storing vestments.
• Vestment maker: A person who specializes in creating or tailoring ceremonial garments.

Notes

• The term "vestment" is most closely associated with Christian, particularly Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox, liturgical practice. It is a hypernym for specific garments like the alb, chasuble, stole, or cope.
• Do not confuse with the general verb "to vest" meaning to confer power or the common noun "vest" meaning a sleeveless garment.

Noun

1. gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy