waistcoat

[ wes-kuht, weyst-koht ]

noun

1. Chiefly British. vest ( def 1 ).
2. an 18th-century garment for women that is similar to a man's vest, usually worn with a riding habit.
3. a man's body garment, often quilted and embroidered and having sleeves, worn under the doublet in the 16th and 17th centuries.

waistcoat

/ ˈweɪsˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a sleeveless waist-length garment with buttons at the front, often worn under a suit jacket US, Canadian, and Austral namevest
2. a man's garment worn under a doublet in the 16th century

Derived Forms

• ˈwaistˌcoated, adjective

Other Words From

• waistcoat·ed adjective
• under·waistcoat noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waistcoat¹

First recorded in 1510–20; waist + coat

Example Sentences

“If you added a sax solo, for example, it’d be one element too far. You might as well put on a waistcoat and go home.”

From BBC

The unlikely nature of England’s campaign made Southgate and his squad hugely popular, the manager’s trademark waistcoat transforming him into something of a fashion icon.

From BBC

Intricately embroidered custom waistcoats signify wealth, highlighting Stanton’s mood and allegiance through shades of blue: “There is a bit of a peacock aspect just in being very proud of what he and Lincoln have accomplished.”

From Los Angeles Times

If I am remembering correctly, he wore a silk cravat overflowing a grosgrain waistcoat from his London tailor.

From Literature

About 12 feet tall, this creature will hold a pocket watch and have fur made of cream-colored Sedum foliage, a waistcoat of yellowy-green Sedum and a maroon jacket of Alternanthera leaves.

From New York Times