vestment

UK: ˈvɛstmənt | US: ˈvɛstmənt

Definition
  1. n. a ceremonial garment worn by clergy or religious officials during rituals or services

  2. n. (archaic) any clothing or outer covering

Structure
vest <garment>ment <noun suffix>
Etymology

vestment = vest<garment> + ment<noun suffix>

  • vest (from Latin vestis, meaning "garment" or "clothing")
  • ment (a noun-forming suffix indicating the result or means of an action, from Latin -mentum)

Etymology Origin:
The word "vestment" traces back to Latin vestis (garment), reflecting its core meaning as ceremonial attire. The suffix -ment was added in Old French (vestement), later adopted into Middle English. The term originally referred to any clothing but narrowed to denote religious garments by the 14th century, emphasizing their ritual significance.

Examples
  1. The priest donned a white vestment for the Easter service.

  2. Medieval vestments often featured intricate embroidery.

  3. The museum displayed ancient vestments from the Byzantine era.

  4. In some traditions, vestments symbolize spiritual purity.

  5. The deacon carefully folded his vestment after the ceremony.