Corset
an article of dress laced closely round the body; a bodice; stays. the corset is one of the most useful and necessary articles of female dress, though many of the worst diseases of the chest have been developed and are frequently greatly exaggerated by tight lacing. Corsets are as necessary to a woman, after a certain stage of life, as a bandage is for a sprain. Stays, or rather corsets, however, are quite uncalled for with growing girls, unless, indeed, there should be some natural deformity or weakness to correct. The idea that such a rigid incasement is requisite to give contour to the bust, and impart a graceful carriage to the figure, is equally erroneous. Up to 17 or 18, or perhaps till her marriage, no young female, if she takes due care of her person, and does not acquire bad habits, has any occasion to wear a corset for the mere sake of support and strength.