body stocking

American  

noun

1. a close-fitting, one-piece garment made of knitted or stretch material and usually covering the feet, legs, trunk, and arms, worn as an exercise costume or under other clothing.

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body stocking British  

noun

1. a one-piece undergarment for women, usually of nylon, covering the torso

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Etymology

Origin of body stocking

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

Heidegger’s noble guests cavorted as milkmaids, chimney sweeps, gypsies, “Indian kings” and even a “nude” Adam wearing a body stocking and fig leaves.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

First in Los Angeles, then at Covent Garden in London and in Washington, Ms. Ewing chose to forgo a body stocking or a stand-in and do the dance — and drop the veil — herself.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2022

At 17 she was hired to appear in a series of commercials for Hotpoint appliances in the role of Happy Hotpoint, a caped dancing elf in a body stocking.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2017

It took the form of a journey around the human body, demonstrated by Steele, who wore a body stocking with pictures of the vital organs in the relevant places.

From The Guardian • Mar. 14, 2013

He was sheathed in a blue body stocking which had yellow stripes running from his armpits to his ankles.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut