Ves·try n.; pl. Vestries
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. A parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs; -- so called because usually held in a vestry.
3. Prot. Epis. Ch. 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.
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