What does vestry mean?
Vestry usually denotes a small room in or beside a church where clergy put on their liturgical clothing, keep their vestments, or prepare for a service. The word also has an older institutional sense: in some Anglican and related churches, a vestry is a committee of lay members who oversee matters such as church property, finances, and maintenance. Although the room is generally modest, it can be an important practical space where clergy and worshippers meet before or after a service. In British usage, the committee sense is particularly familiar from parish and cathedral administration, while it also occurs in American Episcopal contexts. The word is uncommon in general conversation but firmly established in ecclesiastical language. Knowing both senses helps explain why a reference to a vestry meeting may concern parish business rather than a gathering in the clergy room.
nounA vestry is a room in or near a church where clergy put on their liturgical vestments. In some Anglican and related churches, it also refers to a committee of lay members responsible for the parish's property and finances.
- A room in or adjoining a church where clergy dress in and put on their liturgical vestments.
- A body of lay church members, especially in an Anglican church, responsible for managing parish property and finances.
"The choir assembled in the vestry before processing into the church."
"The priest left the service early and met the visitor in the vestry."
"The vestry approved plans to repair the church roof."
The standard plural is vestries.
"The churches of the parish share two vestries and a shared meeting room."
A vestry is where clergy change clothes—making it one of the church's smallest but most practical rooms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vestry come from?
Vestry developed through Middle English from Old French vestrie, ultimately from Medieval Latin vestiarium, a term associated with clothing or vestments. Medieval Latin vestiarium was related to Latin vestis, meaning clothing or garment, and to the family of words formed from Latin vestire, “to clothe.” The word originally referred to a chamber for vestments before acquiring the ecclesiastical committee sense. Its relatives include vestment and vesture, while invest and divest belong to the same broader Latin root.
Related word forms
How vestry is actually used
The room sense is widespread in Christian churches. The committee sense is especially associated with Anglican and Episcopal traditions; in other denominations, terms such as parish council or finance committee may be more usual.
Easily confused with vestry
A sacristy is the room associated with the sacristan and the storage of church furnishings, whereas a vestry is specifically associated with clergy putting on or keeping their vestments.