bodice

American  

[bod-is] / ˈbɒd ɪs /

noun

1. a usually fitted vest or wide, lace-up girdle worn by women over a dress or blouse, especially a cross-laced, sleeveless outer garment covering the waist and bust, common in peasant dress.

2. the part of a woman's dress covering the body between the neck or shoulders and the waist.

3. Obsolete. stays or a corset.

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bodice British  

/ ˈbɒdɪs /

noun

1. the upper part of a woman's dress, from the shoulder to the waist

2. a tight-fitting corset worn laced over a blouse, as in certain national costumes, or (formerly) as a woman's undergarment

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Etymology

Origin of bodice

1560–70; bodies, plural of body

Example Sentences

The costume, which consists of a bodice placed over a boned skirt fitted with a farthingale -- a kind of padded roll that provides volume at the hips -- is part of the sale's "Remarkable" section.

From Barron's

The show opened with a series of violet, green and silver sequined tops in a 1920s style -- reproductions of a bodice designed by early 20th-century French designer Paul Poiret who Anderson namechecked as inspiration.

From Barron's

The bodice was a deep-green silk embroidered with gold thread, and fitted snugly around her waist.

From Literature

Meanwhile, Harrison, who has modeled in campaigns for J. Crew and Topshop, wore a bodice and trousers with a sheer overlay on top.

From Los Angeles Times

“We found a beaded fabric, cut the beads off and repurposed them on the bodice to make them match perfectly,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pullover
• turtleneck