gusset

[guhs-it]

noun

1. a small, triangular piece of material inserted into a shirt, shoe, etc., to improve the fit or for reinforcement.

2. Civil Engineering.,  a plate for uniting structural members at a joint, as in a steel frame or truss.

3. Armor.

   1. Also called voider. an area of mail backed with cloth, for defending the armpits or areas at joints.

   2. a small piece of plate armor at the armhole of a cuirass; pallet.

gusset

/ ˈɡʌsɪt /

noun

1. an inset piece of material used esp to strengthen or enlarge a garment

2. a triangular metal plate for strengthening a corner joist between two structural members

3. a piece of mail fitted between armour plates or into the leather or cloth underclothes worn with armour, to give added protection

verb

1. (tr) to put a gusset in (a garment)

Other Word Forms

• gusseted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gusset¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Old French gousset, derivative of gousse pod, husk

Word History and Origins

Origin of gusset¹

C15: from Old French gousset a piece of mail, a diminutive of gousse pod, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

“This is the kind of s**t that makes celts and witches cream their gussets, as they believe the pentagram is not just magic but also a fertility symbol.”

Read more on Salon

I was like, “no way, sweats are a completely different message, it’s really crucial that these are the pants you wear. If it’s inhibiting your movement, I’ll sew in a gusset.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

You’re talking to the costume designer because you need gussets in the pants so they don’t rip when the dancers do flips.

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Words like gussets, joists, speed square and worm drive saw can feel unfamiliar.

Read more on Washington Post

She decided to try period underwear because the appearance of blood can be less prominent on a black absorbent gusset than on regular underwear, or on the white surface of a pad.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• hem 
• joint 
• pleat