Found 2 items, similar to Vestries.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: vestry vestry n 1: in the Protestant Episcopal Church: a committee elected by the congregation to work with the churchwardens in managing the temporal affairs of the church 2: a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept or meetings are held [syn: sacristy]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Vestries Vestry \Ves"try\, n.; pl. Vestries. [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. [1913 Webster] He said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshipers of Baal. --2 Kings x. 22. [1913 Webster] 2. (Ch. of Eng.) A parochial assembly; an assembly of persons who manage parochial affairs; -- so called because usually held in a vestry. [1913 Webster] 3. (Prot. Epis. Ch.) A body, composed of wardens and vestrymen, chosen annually by a parish to manage its temporal concerns. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster]