rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryvestmentCeremonial clothing
noun

vestment

VEST-munt/ˈvestmənt/

A ceremonial garment worn by clergy during worship.

The priest wears a green vestment as he celebrates the service.

A Catholic priest celebrating a service, with his richly draped green chasuble as the dominant subject and a simple altar and chalice establishing its ceremonial use.
Etymology
vestLatinto clothe
+mentLatinmeans or result

The pieces form a noun for something used to clothe someone: a garment. The selected English meaning specializes that general clothing sense to garments worn by clergy during worship.

In context

Breaking In The Habit3:19
When the minister puts on this vestment, he is reminded of the responsibility he has to lead and carry the Church.
Catholic Vestments Explained

More examples

  • The church keeps its vestments in a cupboard near the altar.
  • A tailor repaired the torn hem of the bishop’s vestment.
  • In some churches, the color of the vestments changes with the religious season.

Forms

vestment · vestments

Similar words

robe
A loose garment worn for ceremonies or everyday comfort.
cassock
A long, close-fitting clergy garment also worn outside services.
surplice
A specific loose, white church garment worn over other clothing.