Category:Waist

Waist, n. Etym: [oe. wast; originally, growth, akin to as. weaxan to Grow; cf. As. wæstm growth. See wax to grow.]

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. I am in the waist two yards about. Shak.

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.

3. A garment, or part of a garment, which covers the body from the Neck or shoulders to the waist line.

4. A girdle or belt for the waist. [obs.] Shak. Waist anchor. See Sheet anchor, 1, in the vocabulary.