VESTRY

In ecclesiastical law. The place in a church where the priest’s vestures are deposited. Also an assembly of the minister, church-wardens, and parishioners, usually held in the vestry of the church, or in a building called a “vestry-hall,” to act upon business of the church. Mozley & Whitley. Vestry cess. A rate levied in Ireland for parochial purposes, abolished by St 27 Vict c. 17. Vestry clerk. An officer appointed to attend vestries, and take an account of their proceedings, etc. Vestry men. A select number of parishioners elected in large and populous parishes to take care of the concerns of the parish; so called because they used ordinarily to meet in the vestry of the church. Cowell.