keurslijf

Dutch

Etymology

From keurs +‎ lijf.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkøːrs.lɛi̯f/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: keurs‧lijf

Noun

keurslijf n (plural keurslijven, diminutive keurslijfje n)

1. stays, corset, waist (foundation garment for women, reinforced with stays)
2. (figurative) straitjacket; something very tightly arranged or regulated, thereby allowing little freedom; something oppressive
3. (historical) A tight bodice