Category:Vestry

Ves"try, n.; pl. Vestries. Etym: [oe. vestrye, f. vestiaire, l. Vestiarium, fr. vestiarius belonging to clothes, fr. vestis a Garment. See vest, n., 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.)

Defn: a parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage Parochial affairs; -- so called because usually held in a vestry.

3. (prot. Epis. Ch.)

Defn: 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.