Waist"cloth (?), n. 1. A cloth or wrapper worn about the waist; by
extension, such a garment worn about the hips and passing between the
thighs.
2. (Naut.) A covering of canvas or tarpaulin for the hammocks, stowed
on the nettings, between the quarterdeck and the forecastle.
Waist"coat (?), 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.
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.
Syn. — See Vest.
Waist`coat*eer" (?), n. One wearing a waistcoat; esp., a woman wearing
one uncovered, or thought fit for such a habit; hence, a loose woman;
strumpet. [Obs.]
Do you think you are here, sir, Amongst your waistcoateers, your base
wenches?
Beau. & Fl.
Waist"coat*ing, n. A fabric designed for waistcoats; esp., one in which
there is a pattern, differently colored yarns being used.
Waist"er (?), 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.
Wait (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Waited; p. pr. & vb. n. Waiting.] [OE.
waiten, OF. waitier, gaitier, to watch, attend, F. guetter to watch, to
wait for, fr. OHG. wahta a guard, watch, G. wacht, from OHG. wahhn to
watch, be awake. √134. See Wake, v. i.]