Definition of chest

The word "chest" has its roots in Old English. In the 7th and 8th centuries, the word "cester" was used to refer to a hollowed-out tree trunk or a wooden box used for storing goods. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include a box or container made of wood, metal, or other materials. In the 12th century, the spelling of the word changed to "chest" as Middle English emerged. During this period, the word "chest" also began to be used in naval contexts, referring to the cargo-carrying structure of a ship. Today, the word "chest" is used to describe a variety of containers, from a wooden box for storing items to a medical term referring to the part of the human body that contains the heart and lungs.