​VASE (through Fr. from Lat. vas, a vessel, pl. vasa, of which the singular vasum is rarely found; the ultimate root is probably was-, to cover, seen in Lat. vestis, clothing, Eng. “vest,” Gr. ἐσθής, and also in “wear,” of garments), a vessel, particularly one of ornamental form or decoration; the term is often confined to such vessels which are uncovered and with two handles, and whose height is great in proportion to their width. It is the general term applied to the decorative pottery of the ancient Greeks and Romans, of whatever shape (see Ceramics).