The birds of the air have nests. --Matt. viii.
20.
2. Hence: the place in which the eggs of other animals, as
insects, turtles, etc., are laid and hatched; a snug place
in which young animals are reared. --Bentley.
3. A snug, comfortable, or cozy residence or situation; a
retreat, or place of habitual resort; hence, those who
occupy a nest, frequent a haunt, or are associated in the
same pursuit; as, a nest of traitors; a nest of bugs.
A little cottage, like some poor man's nest.
--Spenser.
4. (Geol.) An aggregated mass of any ore or mineral, in an
isolated state, within a rock.
5. A collection of boxes, cases, or the like, of graduated
size, each put within the one next larger.
6. (Mech.) A compact group of pulleys, gears, springs, etc.,
working together or collectively.
{Nest egg}, an egg left in the nest to prevent the hen from
forsaking it, and to induce her to lay more in the same
place; hence, figuratively, something laid up as the
beginning of a fund or collection. --Hudibras.
The king of birds nested within his leaves. --Howell.
From him who nested himself into the chief power.
--South.