corselet

American  

[kawr-suh-let, kawrs-lit] / ˌkɔr səˈlɛt, ˈkɔrs lɪt /

noun

1. Also corselette a woman's lightweight foundation garment combining a brassiere and girdle in one piece.

2. Armor. Also corslet

   1. a suit of light half armor or three-quarter armor of the 16th century or later.

   2. cuirass.

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corselet British  

/ ˈkɔːslɪt /

noun

1. Also spelt: corslet.  a piece of armour for the top part of the body

2. a one-piece foundation garment, usually combining a brassiere and a corset

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Etymology

Origin of corselet

1490–1500; < Middle French, equivalent to cors “bodice, body” + -elet -let

Example Sentences

Famed Choreographer Agnes de Mille, who danced the part first in 1938, turned up as Venus in droopy net stockings, ruffled corselet and a blonde wig suggesting Gorgeous George playing Lady Godiva.

From Time Magazine Archive

This linen corselet was found also among the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans.

From Great Inventions and Discoveries by Piercy, Willis Duff

An arrow pierced her bosom, but drawing it out with her own hand and throwing it aside, she showed the French her blood-stained corselet, and once more urged them on.

From Recitations for the Social Circle by Harvey, James Clarence

A corselet of reserve drew about him; the old subtle reservation again veiled his eyes.

From Caybigan by Hopper, James

Jason saw King Æetes in his chariot, a blazing torch lighting his corselet and his helmet.

From The Golden Fleece and The Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles by Colum, Padraic

Related Words

• bodice
• underwear