GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Nest , n. [AS. nest; akin to D. & G. nest, Sw. näste, L. nidus, for nisdus, Skr. nīḍa resting place, nest; cf. Lith. lizdas, Arm. neiz, Gael. & Ir. nead. Prob. from the particle ni down, Skr. ni + the root of E. sit, and thus orig., a place to sit down in. √ 264. See Nether, and Sit, and cf. Eyas, Nidification, Nye.]
    The bed or receptacle prepared by a fowl for holding her eggs and for hatching and rearing her young.
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   The birds of the air have nests.
   Matt. viii. 20.
   
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   Hence: The place in which the eggs of other animals, as insects, turtles, etc., are laid and hatched; a snug place in which young animals are reared.
   Bentley.
   
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   A snug, comfortable, or cozy residence or situation; a retreat, or place of habitual resort; hence, those who occupy a nest, frequent a haunt, or are associated in the same pursuit; as, a nest of traitors; a nest of bugs.
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   A little cottage, like some poor man's nest.
   Spenser.
   
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   (Geol.) An aggregated mass of any ore or mineral, in an isolated state, within a rock.
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   A collection of boxes, cases, or the like, of graduated size, each put within the one next larger.
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   (Mech.) A compact group of pulleys, gears, springs, etc., working together or collectively.
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2.       
   Nest , v. i. To build and occupy a nest.
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   The king of birds nested within his leaves.
   Howell.
   
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3.       
   Nest, v. t. To put into a nest; to form a nest for.
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   From him who nested himself into the chief power.
   South.
   
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