abacost UK /ˈæ.bə.kɒst/US /ˈæ.bə.kɑst/ noun1 •(historical) A short- or long-sleeved button-up jacket, worn without a shirt, that was promoted in Zaire under the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko.Wearing a collarless jacket called the abacost that reflected the style of chairman Mao, Mobutu outlawed the traditional suits and business dress of the West. — 2005 formsabacosts