Definition of: chest

(chest) noun
1. A box of wood, metal, or other material, usually large, and having a hinged lid: used for valuables, tools, personal possessions, etc.
2. A receptacle for gases, liquids, etc.: a steam chest.
3. The part of the body enclosed by the ribs; the thorax. ◆ Collateral adjective: pectoral.
4. A case for packing certain commodities: a chest for indigo.
5. The quantity ordinarily carried in certain chests: a chest of tea.
6 A public treasury or fund; coffer; also, the funds contained there: the community chest.
—to get off one's chest Colloq. To experience the relief of expressing openly (an emotion, opinion, etc.) that one has previously been at pains to withhold. [OE cest <L cista <Gk. kistē basket, box]