A belt designed for a specific function, esp. for protection from falling, drowning, collision, etc. Cf. safety belt, n. A life belt.

A jacket designed for a particular function. A jacket of buoyant or inflatable material for supporting the body in water; a life jacket.

a buoyant collar worn around the neck to keep the head out of water.

a (usually rigid) buoyant ring or other device used to support the body in water; = buoy, n. 1b.

A life jacket, lifebuoy, or other device worn to support the body in the water. Cf. preserver, n. 2c. Chiefly North American.

a jacket of buoyant or inflatable material for supporting the body in water (cf. life vest n.).

= lifebelt n. at life, n. compounds 3.

(a) a belt or jacket of buoyant or inflatable material, worn to support the body in water; (b) a (usually rigid) buoyant ring used to support the…

= life jacket n.

= lifebelt n. (b).

= life-preserver, n. 2.

An inflatable life jacket, originally one issued to R.A.F. servicemen in the Second World War (1939–45).