bodice

noun

bod·ice ˈbä-dəs

: the upper part of a woman's dress

archaic : corset, stays

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The Fashionable History of Bodice

The term bodice is derived from body. One sense of the word body is “the part of a garment covering the body or trunk.” In the 17th and 18th centuries a woman’s corset was often called a “pair of bodies.” The plural bodies, or bodice, was eventually interpreted as a singular. Bodice is now most often used to refer to the upper part of a woman’s dress.

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Examples of bodice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The bandeau, crafted from a metallic sequin material, complemented the sheer fabric of the bodice, creating a cohesive two-piece illusion. —

Ty Gaskins, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024 The dress, complete with a corseted bodice and sweeping train, was embellished with ruffles and lace in alternating shades of yellow and white. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024 Black walked down the aisle in an Elizabeth Lee Bridal gown with a structured bodice and dramatic open back. —

Erin Clack, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024 The mini dress’s bodice was black, and the show-stopping black and white faux fur trim had a diagonal pattern. —

Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bodice