nest

[[t]nɛst[/t]]

n.

1) orn a bowl-shaped or pocketlike structure, often of twigs, grasses, and mud, prepared by a bird for incubating eggs and rearing young

2) anb any structure or shelter used for depositing eggs or raising young

3) zool. a number of birds, insects, animals, etc., inhabiting one such place

4) a snug retreat or refuge; resting place; home

5) an assemblage of things lying or set close together

6) a set of items, often of graduated size, that fit close together or one within another:

a nest of tables[/ex]

7) cmp a set of items or parts forming a hierarchical structure, with larger parts enclosing smaller ones

8) a place where something bad is fostered or flourishes:

a nest of thieves[/ex]

9) the occupants or frequenters of such a place

10) zool. to build or have a nest:

to nest in trees[/ex]

11) to settle in or as if in a nest

12) to fit together or one within another:

bowls that nest easily for storage[/ex]

13) to search for or collect nests

14) to settle or place (something) in or as if in a nest

15) to fit or place one within another

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME, OE; c. OD, OHG, G nest; akin to L nīdus, OIr net, Welsh nyth nest, Skt nīḍa lair nest′er, n. nest′like`, adj.