The word "vesture" (/ˈvɛs.tʃər/) comes from the Old French word "vesture" meaning clothing or dress. It is spelled with the letter "v" followed by "e" and "s" which represent the "v" and "s" sounds respectively. The letter "t" represents the "t" sound, and the vowel sound in the second syllable is represented by the letter "u" followed by the letter "r". This spelling allows us to correctly pronounce and write this uncommon word for clothing.
Vesture is a noun that refers to clothing, garments, or attire, particularly those worn by a person or group of individuals. It encompasses a broad range of garments, both outerwear and undergarments, that are used to cover and decorate the body.
In religious or ceremonial contexts, such as during religious services or rituals, vesture often refers to the special garments worn by clergy or religious officials. These garments are distinct and symbolic, representing their respective religious traditions, such as vestments worn by priests, bishops, or other religious leaders.
Vesture can also be used metaphorically to describe something that appears to clothe or envelop a person or object. For example, one might refer to the majestic mountains as being "clothed in the vesture of snow," implying that the snow covers and beautifies the landscape.
The term vesture is derived from the Latin word "vestis," meaning clothing or garment. It has been in use since Middle English and has evolved to encompass various meanings and applications over time.
Overall, vesture serves as a general term that encompasses clothing, garments, and attire, but it can also carry specific religious or ceremonial connotations, as well as metaphorical usages to describe the covering or decoration of something or someone.
• A garment; dress; clothing; covering; to vest in, to put in pessession of; to clothe with; to vest with, to clothe; to invest with.
• See vest.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vesture" originated from the Old French word "vesture" and the Latin word "vestis", both meaning "clothing" or "garment". The Latin word "vestis" itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "wēd-", which refers to dressing or covering oneself. This root is also the source of other related words such as "vest" and "invest".