nest
UK: nɛst | US: nɛst
n. a structure built by birds or other animals to hold eggs or young
n. a cozy or secluded place
vt. to build or settle into a nest
vi. to fit snugly together
The word "nest" traces back to Old English nest, derived from Proto-Germanic nistaz, meaning "a place for sitting or resting." It shares roots with Dutch nest and German Nest, all conveying the idea of a sheltered spot. The Proto-Indo-European root nizdo- (from ni- "down" + sed- "to sit") reinforces the concept of "sitting down" in a secure location. Over time, the word expanded metaphorically to describe any snug or layered arrangement.
The robin built its nest in the oak tree.
She curled up in a nest of blankets.
The boxes nested neatly inside each other.
The spy nested himself in the enemy’s headquarters.
The village nested in the valley, hidden from view.