vest-pocket

[ vest-pok-it ]

/ ˈvɛstˌpɒk ɪt /

designed to be carried in the pocket of the vest, in a purse, or in a similarly small space; miniature: a vest-pocket dictionary.

very small: a vest-pocket version of Versailles.

Origin of vest-pocket

First recorded in 1910–15

Vona found a sort of furtive uneasiness in the way he glanced out of the window and fingered his vest-pocket equipment.

When Egypt Went Broke |Holman Day
He drew from his vest-pocket a neat gold ring, with some sort of a stone in the setting.

The Errand Boy |Horatio Alger
He slipped his fingers in his vest-pocket and drew out a bill, which he handed to Tom.

Brave Tom |Edward S. Ellis
Some passenger's fingers have entered his vest-pocket, and the boys are on the alert.

Two Years in the French West Indies |Lafcadio Hearn

He took out a little book from his vest-pocket and looked through the names.

Hungry Hearts |Anzia Yezierska

vest-pocket

(modifier) mainly US small enough to fit into a waistcoat pocket