Waistcoat-pocket
/ˈweɪstkəʊt ˈpɒkɪt/
nounB2
Definition
A waistcoat-pocket is a small space or pouch inside or on a waistcoat where people can keep small things. Waistcoats are clothes worn over shirts, often part of formal or old-fashioned dress. This pocket is usually smaller than normal pockets and is often used for special items like a pocket watch.
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See It in Action
A small pocket sewn into a waistcoat for carrying small personal items
- •He took the pocket watch out of his waistcoat-pocket.
- •The waistcoat-pocket is perfect for keeping a handkerchief.
- •She sewed a tiny waistcoat-pocket to hold a small key.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "waistcoat-pocket" like a "pocket" (A1 word), but a special one on a waistcoat, which is a type of vest worn on the upper body
- ✓Picture a man in old-style clothes, checking a small pocket on his waistcoat to pull out a shiny watch
- ✓It feels like a secret little place on your clothes where you keep something important or special
- ✓Sounds like "WAIST-coat POCK-et" → imagine a coat around your waist holding a little pocket for tiny treasures
- ✓In stories or movies about old times, gentlemen often check their waistcoat-pocket for a watch or notes
- ✓NOT like "trouser pocket" (on pants), waistcoat-pocket is higher on the body and smaller
- ✓NOT like "jacket pocket" (larger and more common), waistcoat-pocket is more delicate and formal
Try Other Words
- •Vest pocket: a pocket on a vest (Use when talking about American English where "vest" means the same as "waistcoat")
- •Watch pocket: a small pocket for a pocket watch (Use when the pocket's main purpose is holding a watch)
- •Inside pocket: a pocket sewn inside a garment (Use when emphasizing the pocket is inside, not outside)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "waistcoat" (a sleeveless jacket worn on the upper body) + "pocket" (a small bag sewn into clothing)
- •Etymology: "Waistcoat" comes from "waist" (middle part of body) + "coat" (outer garment), originally meaning a coat worn at the waist level; "pocket" comes from Old French "poque," meaning a small bag
- •Historical development: Waistcoats became popular in the 17th century as part of formal men's dress; pockets on waistcoats were made small to hold watches or small items
- •Modern usage: Mostly used in formal or historical clothing contexts or fashion discussions; less common in everyday speech
Reflect & Connect
•How does the waistcoat-pocket show the importance of small, personal items in historical clothing?
•Can you think of modern clothing with special pockets like the waistcoat-pocket? How do they compare?
Fill in the blanks
1.He carefully placed his gold watch into the waistcoat-pocket ___ it would not fall out.
2.The waistcoat-pocket is smaller than a regular jacket pocket, so it usually holds ___ items.
3.Unlike trouser pockets, the waistcoat-pocket is sewn ___ on the upper body.
4.In old movies, gentlemen often check their waistcoat-pocket ___ to see the time.
5.A waistcoat-pocket is sometimes called a ___ pocket when it is used for a watch.
6.The design of the waistcoat-pocket helps keep important items ___ and easy to reach.
7.When wearing a three-piece suit, the waistcoat-pocket ___ the pocket watch securely.