vested
UK: ˈvɛstɪd | US: ˈvɛstɪd
adj. (of rights, interests, or power) secured by law or contract and not subject to revocation
adj. (of clothing) worn on the upper body, typically under a jacket
adj. (archaic) dressed or clothed
vested = vest<to clothe or grant authority> + ed<past participle/adjective suffix>
- vest: From Latin vestis (garment), later evolving to mean "to clothe" or "to endow with authority" (via legal contexts).
- ed: A suffix forming adjectives or past participles, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word "vested" originates from the Latin vestis (garment), reflecting its early association with clothing. Over time, it acquired a legal sense—likely influenced by the ceremonial "vesting" of authority (e.g., robes symbolizing power). The suffix -ed solidifies its adjectival use, denoting a secured or irreversible state, whether in attire ("vested suit") or rights ("vested interest").
She has a vested interest in the company's success.
The judge wore a vested robe during the ceremony.
His vested rights cannot be revoked without due process.
The archaic portrait showed a man vested in elaborate finery.
Once vested, the stock options become fully hers.