corset

[ kawr-sit ]

noun

1. Sometimes corsets. a close-fitting undergarment, stiffened with whalebone or similar material and often capable of being tightened by lacing, enclosing the trunk: worn, especially by women, to shape and support the body; stays.

verb (used with object)

1. to dress or furnish with or as if with a corset.
2. to regulate strictly; constrict.

corset

/ ˈkɔːsɪt /

noun

1. 1. a stiffened, elasticated, or laced foundation garment, worn esp by women, that usually extends from below the chest to the hips, providing support for the spine and stomach and shaping the figure
   2. a similar garment worn because of injury, weakness, etc, by either sex
2. informal.
   a restriction or limitation, esp government control of bank lending
3. a stiffened outer bodice worn by either sex, esp in the 16th century

verb

1. tr to dress or enclose in, or as in, a corset

Other Words From

• corset·less adjective
• un·corset·ed adjective
• well-corset·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of corset¹

1225–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to cors bodice, body + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of corset¹

C14: from Old French, literally: a little bodice; see corselet

Example Sentences

Set in a fantastical Victorian world, filled with gas lamps, corsets and monsters, you play as survivors of a magical disaster.

From Time

After wearing a crystal corset and crown as homecoming queen and graduating from high school, she went on to earn an associate degree in applied sciences with a certificate in cosmetology this summer.

From ProPublica

While trends for the spring have widely consisted of corsets, plaid prints, and tie dye, summer trends are hitting a different note, and according to social media, stylish mesh heels are up next.

From Essence.com

I can tell she is eager to leave Orchard Corset Center to get home and prepare a meal, and herself, for the holiday.

From The Daily Beast

I wouldn't be surprised if celebs reached out to Orchard Corset Center.

From The Daily Beast

The Yelp reviews attest to the diverse crowd that frequents Orchard Corset Center.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, it took the legitimization of the ultra sexy corset for women to decide to abandon it.

From The Daily Beast

Some of the modern day corsets claim to be made with the input of orthopedic surgeons, such as the Ardyss Corset Golden.

From The Daily Beast

The queen put the letter in the hollow of her corset, resolving to burn it as soon as she was alone.

From Project Gutenberg

And as for that Yankee ornithologist, he's hung himself with the Countess's corset—string—yes, he has!

From Project Gutenberg

A French corset-maker appeared on the scene, and a famous vender of cosmetics.

From Project Gutenberg

She began work in Philadelphia in a commission house as a saleswoman and corset fitter.

From Project Gutenberg

In New York, the sister of fifteen found employment in running ribbons into corset covers, earning from $1 to $1.50 a week.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bodice
• underwear