VESTRY Ves"try, n.; pl. Vestries. Etym: [OE. vestrye, F. vestiaire, L. vestiarium, fr. vestiarius belonging to clothes, fr. vestis a garment. See Vest, n., and cf. Vestiary.]
1. A room appendant to a church, in which sacerdotal vestments and sacred utensils are sometimes kept, and where meetings for worship or parish business are held; a sacristy; — formerly called revestiary. He said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshipers of Baal. 2 Kings x. 22.
2. (Ch. of Eng.)
Defn: A parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs; — so called because usually held in a vestry.
3. (Prot. Epis. Ch.)
Defn: A body, composed of wardens and vestrymen, chosen annually by a parish to manage its temporal concerns. Metropolitan vestry, in the city of London, and certain specified parishes and places in England, a body composed of householders who pay poor rates. Its duties include the repair of churches, care of highways, the appointment of certain officers, etc. — Select vestry, a select number of persons chosen in large and populous English parishes to represent and manage the concerns of the parish for one year. Mozley & W. — Vestry board (Ch. of Eng.), a vestry. See def. 2, above. — Vestry clerk, an officer chosen by the vestry, who keeps a record of its proceedings; also, in England, one who keeps the parish accounts and books. — Vestry meeting, the meeting of a vestry or vestry board; also, a meeting of a parish held in a vestry or other place.
VESTRYMAN
Ves"try*man, n.; pl. Vestrymen (.
Defn: A member of a vestry; especially (Prot. Epis. Ch.), a member other than a warden. See Vestry.
VESTURE
Ves"ture, n. Etym: [OF. vesture, vesteure, F. vêture, LL. vestitura,
from L. vestire to clothe, dress. See Vest, v. t., and cf.
Vestiture.]
1. A garment or garments; a robe; clothing; dress; apparel; vestment; covering; envelope. Piers Plowman. Approach, and kiss her sacred vesture's hem. Milton. Rocks, precipices, and gulfs, appareled with a vesture of plants. Bentley. There polished chests embroidered vestures graced. Pope.