gusset

American  

[guhs-it] / ˈgʌs ɪt /

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.

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gusset British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• gusseted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of gusset

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

Explanation

A reinforcing piece of fabric sewn into a garment is called a gusset. Manufacturers use metal gussets to reinforce joists or join metal plates together. Most gussets are shaped like triangles. Some gussets make clothing sturdier, and some make it wider or shape it more accurately to the body. They might be added along the sides of a shirt, under the arms, or at the spot where inside leg seams meet in a pair of pants or tights. The original gussets were used in chain mail or armor, to cover unprotected areas. The word comes from the Old French gosset, "armhole," or "piece of armor for the armpit."

Example Sentences

Gusset is the only American to win the prestigious gold medal at what is termed “the Olympics of violin making,” the International Triennale Competition of Stringed Instrument Making, held every three years in Cremona, Italy.

From Washington Times • Jul. 18, 2015

There’s David Gusset, considered among the best in the business.

From Washington Times • Jul. 18, 2015

"Very amiable young woman Miss Gusset appears to be, Dr. Sly?"

From Vivian Grey by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

They paddled on again until Gusset Lock came in sight.

From The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story by Reed, Talbot Baines

We do not visit Lady Doubtful either," replied Miss Gusset: "she had not a card for our fête champêtre.

From Vivian Grey by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

Related Words

• hem
• joint
• pleat