corset

[kawr-sit]

noun

1. Sometimes corsets. a close-fitting undergarment, stiffened with whalebone or similar material and often capable of being tightened by lacing, enclosing the trunk: worn, especially by women, to shape and support the body; stays.

verb (used with object)

1. to dress or furnish with or as if with a corset.

2. to regulate strictly; constrict.

corset

/ ˈkɔːsɪt /

noun

1. 1. a stiffened, elasticated, or laced foundation garment, worn esp by women, that usually extends from below the chest to the hips, providing support for the spine and stomach and shaping the figure

   2. a similar garment worn because of injury, weakness, etc, by either sex

2. informal,  a restriction or limitation, esp government control of bank lending

3. a stiffened outer bodice worn by either sex, esp in the 16th century

verb

1. (tr) to dress or enclose in, or as in, a corset

Other Word Forms

• corsetless adjective
• uncorseted adjective
• well-corseted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of corset¹

1225–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to cors bodice, body + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of corset¹

C14: from Old French, literally: a little bodice; see _corselet

Example Sentences

At this year’s festival, ladies in corsets did more damage than gals in padded gloves.

From Los Angeles Times

Every July, Ms Arigbabu's team of tailors start preparing for next year: corset bases are cut; silhouettes are sketched; fabrics are sourced.

From BBC

Sometimes she’s wearing a tightly laced corset, a wool minidress or a methodical two-piece set.

From Los Angeles Times

Dressed in a white lace corset and knee-high bovver boots, she high-kicked across the stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

From BBC

She is, however, going to be wearing uncomfortable shoes, a large skirt and a corset, Chang offers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bodice 
• underwear