merry widow

American  

noun

1. a woman's undergarment consisting of a strapless brassiere and short corset with attached garters.

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Etymology

Origin of merry widow

First recorded in 1950–55; named after The Merry Widow, an operetta (1905) by Franz Lehár ( def. ); formerly a trademark

Example Sentences

She styled the tailored look with a headpiece featuring a crinoline base with a layer of tulle and merry widow veiling, adorned with a ribbon bow.

From Washington Times • May 6, 2023

She styled the tailored look with a headpiece featuring a crinoline base with a layer of tulle and merry widow veiling, adorned with a Petersham ribbon bow.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2023

The hero, Anthony Cade, is an old Africa hand who finds himself helping the young, lively and, indeed, merry widow Virginia Revel.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2023

The merry widow added gaiety to his life, and he was as smitten as a teenage schoolboy.

From Washington Post • Mar. 29, 2023

Caroline is to send them out in her motor and I'm going to make Hob and Tom chase the possum in company of the merry widow and Mrs. Big Bug.

From Andrew the Glad by Daviess, Maria Thompson