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Webster 1913 Edition


Vestry

Ves′try

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Vestries
(#)
.
[OE.
vestrye
, F.
vestiaire
, L.
vestiarium
, fr.
vestiarius
belonging to clothes, fr.
vestis
a garment. See
Vest
,
Noun.
, 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.)
A parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs; – so called because usually held in a vestry.
3.
(Prot. Epis. Ch.)
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.

Webster 1828 Edition


Vestry

VEST'RY

,
Noun.
[L. vestiarium.]
1.
A room appendant to a church, in which the sacerdotal vestments, in which the sacerdotal vestments and sacred utensils are kept, and where parochial meetings are held.
2.
A parochial assembly, so called because held in the vestry.
The council are chosen by the vestry.

Definition 2024


vestry

vestry

English

Noun

vestry (plural vestries)

  1. A room in a church where the clergy put on their vestments and where these are stored; also used for meetings and classes; a sacristy.
    The choirboys change into their cassocks in the vestry.
  2. A committee of parishioners elected to administer the temporal affairs of a parish.
    The vestry meets on the first Tuesday of every month.
  3. An assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs; so called because usually held in a vestry.

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