corset
corset Lexical Profile
corset Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A tightly fitting undergarment, traditionally stiffened with whalebone or similar material, worn to shape and support the torso.
"In the nineteenth century, it was customary for middle-class women to wear a tightly laced corset to achieve a desired silhouette."
A supportive medical garment or brace worn around the torso to immobilize or support the spine.
"After her back surgery, she had to wear a custom orthopedic corset for several months."
• verb
To dress or enclose someone in a corset.
"The actresses were tightly corseted before stepping out onto the period drama set."
To restrict or confine something severely.
"The emerging industry was corseted by heavy governmental regulations and rigid trade policies."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English, borrowed from Old French 'corset', a diminutive of 'cors' (body), which derives from the Latin 'corpus'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.