from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Waistcoat \Waist"coat\, n.
(a) A short, sleeveless coat or garment for men, worn
under the coat, extending no lower than the hips, and
covering the waist; a vest.
(b) A garment occasionally worn by women as a part of
fashionable costume.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The waistcoat was a part of female attire as well as
male . . . It was only when the waistcoat was worn
without a gown or upper dress that it was considered
the mark of a mad or profligate woman. --Nares.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: See {Vest}.
[1913 Webster]