n. [ OE. wast; originally, growth, akin to AS. weaxan to grow; cf. AS. wæstm growth. See Wax to grow. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. That part of the human body which is immediately below the ribs or thorax; the small part of the body between the thorax and hips. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am in the waist two yards about. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, the middle part of other bodies; especially (Naut.), that part of a vessel's deck, bulwarks, etc., which is between the quarter-deck and the forecastle; the middle part of the ship. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A garment, or part of a garment, which covers the body from the neck or shoulders to the waist line. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A girdle or belt for the waist. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Waist anchor. See Sheet anchor, 1, in the Vocabulary. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The band which encompasses the waist; esp., one on the upper part of breeches, trousers, pantaloons, skirts, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A sash worn by women around the waist. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A cloth or wrapper worn about the waist; by extension, such a garment worn about the hips and passing between the thighs. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Naut.) A covering of canvas or tarpaulin for the hammocks, stowed on the nettings, between the quarterdeck and the forecastle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (a) A short, sleeveless coat or garment for men, worn under the coat, extending no lower than the hips, and covering the waist; a vest. (b) A garment occasionally worn by women as a part of fashionable costume. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The waistcoat was a part of female attire as well as male . . . It was only when the waistcoat was worn without a gown or upper dress that it was considered the mark of a mad or profligate woman. Nares. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- See Vest. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One wearing a waistcoat; esp., a woman wearing one uncovered, or thought fit for such a habit; hence, a loose woman; strumpet. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Do you think you are here, sir,
Amongst your waistcoateers, your base wenches? Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A fabric designed for waistcoats; esp., one in which there is a pattern, differently colored yarns being used. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Naut.) A seaman, usually a green hand or a broken-down man, stationed in the waist of a vessel of war. R. H. Dana, Jr. [ 1913 Webster ]