FromFrenchcorselet, fromcors, an archaic spelling ofcorps(“body”).
corselet (pluralcorselets)
- Armor for the body, for example abreastplate andbackpiece taken together.
- Anentiresuit of armor, made up chiefly of the breastplate and backpiece worn with aheadpiece and with agorget,pauldrons,vambraces,gauntlets, andtassets attached.
1786, Francis Grose,A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page21:Strictly speaking, the wordcorcelet meant only that part which covered the body, but was generally used to express the whole suit, under the terms of acorselet furnished, or complete.
- A tight-fitting item of clothing which covers the body and not the limbs.
- A type of women'sunderwear, combining abra and agirdle in one garment; acorselette.
- (zoology) Thethorax of aninsect.
1897, Henry James,What Maisie Knew:With the added suggestion of her goggles it reminded her pupil of the polished shell orcorslet of a horrid beetle.
tight-fitting item of clothing
Diminutive form ofOld Frenchcors.
corselet m (pluralcorselets)
- corselet (garment)
- (zoology)corselet,thorax
