\Waist\, n. [OE. wast; originally, growth, akin to AS.
weaxan to grow; cf. AS. w[ae]stm growth. See {Wax} to grow.]
1. That part of the human body which is immediately below the
   ribs or thorax; the small part of the body between the
   thorax and hips. --Chaucer.
         I am in the waist two yards about.    --Shak.
2. Hence, the middle part of other bodies; especially
   (Naut.), that part of a vessel's deck, bulwarks, etc.,
   which is between the quarter-deck and the forecastle; the
   middle part of the ship.
3. A garment, or part of a garment, which covers the body
   from the neck or shoulders to the waist line.
4. A girdle or belt for the waist. [Obs.] --Shak.
{Waist anchor}. See {Sheet anchor}, 1, in the Vocabulary.