Bodice

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈbÉ’dɪs/
• US IPA: /ˈbɑːdɪs/

Origin

From bodies, plural of body ("upper part of a dress")

Full definition of bodice

Noun

1. An article of clothing for women, covering the body from the neck to the waist, lacking sleeves or with detachable sleeves.
2. A woman's blouse-like garment, especially with European folk dress.
• 1956, w, Crime out of Mind Chapter 1, On the cover of the leaflet advertising the Alpenrose Gasthof in Zirl am Gurgl … there is a decorative picture of a young woman. She is wearing Tyrolese costume: the low-cut white bodice with cross-laced velvet waistcoat, the floral apron and dirndl skirt.
3. The upper portion of a one- or two-piece dress, in distinction to the skirt and sleeves.
4. (archaic) A kind of under waist stiffened with whalebone, etc., worn especially by women; a corset; stays.

Derived terms

• bodice ripper
• liberty bodice