modesty piece

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English

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Noun

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modesty piece (plural modesty pieces)

  1. (now chiefly historical) A piece of lace or other fabric worn over a woman's dress to cover the bosom.
    • July 27, 1711, Leonilla Figleaf, letter to Spectator No. 118
      Now, sir, what I have to communicate to you at present is, that at a late meeting of the stripping ladies, in which were present several eminent toasts and beauties, it was resolved for the future to lay the modesty-piece wholly aside

Synonyms

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