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

There's nothin' I can learn a merry widow.

From Just Around the Corner Romance en casserole by Hurst, Fannie