Waist

wāst, n. the smallest part of the human trunk, between the ribs and the hips: the bodice of a woman's dre : the middle part, as of a ship, of a musical instrument—( Shak. ) of a period of time; ( Shak. ) something that surrounds.— ns. Waist′-anchor , an anchor stowed in the waist of a ship; Waist′band , the band or part of a garment which encircles the waist; Waist′belt , a belt for the waist; Waist′boat , a boat carried in the waist of a ve el; Waist′cloth , a piece of cloth worn around the waist, and hanging below it, in India; Waist′coat , a short coat worn immediately under the coat, and fitting the waist tightly; Waistcoateer′ ( obs. ), a strumpet; Waist′coating , material for men's waistcoats, usually of a fancy pattern and containing silk.— adjs. Waist′-deep , -high , as deep, high, as to reach up to the waist.— n. Waist′er , a green-hand on a whaler: an old man-of-war's-man who has not risen. [A.S. wæxt , growth (Ice. vöxtr ); conn, with wæstme , growth, weaxen , to grow.]