noun
bodice
BAH-dis/ˈbɑːdɪs/
The fitted upper part of a dress or costume.
The fitted bodice contrasts with the dress's flowing skirt.
Etymology
Body supplied the name for a torso-covering garment; the plural referred to two pieces fastened together. That garment name became the term for a dress’s fitted upper part.
In context
two-piece circle skirt joins bare top bodice at waistline. Shoulder straps button to bodice in front.
More examples
- She adjusted the seam along the bodice.
- Embroidery covered the costume's bodice.
- The tailor shortened the bodice before attaching the skirt.
Forms
bodice · bodices