Waist (?), n. [OE. wast; originally, growth, akin to AS. weaxan to grow; cf. AS. waestm 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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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