liberty bodice

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English[edit]

Noun[edit]

liberty bodice (plural liberty bodices)

  1. (UK, historical) A tight, sleeveless underbodice, originally as typically worn by children to allow for more freedom of movement than a corset.
    Synonym: emancipation waist
    • 1933, Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth, Penguin, published 2005, page 34:
      I am seized with an angry resentment against the conventions of twenty years ago, which wrapped up my comely adolescent body in woollen combinations, black cashmere stockings, “liberty” bodice, dark stockinette knickers, flannel petticoat and often, in addition, a long-sleeved, high-necked, knitted woollen “spencer”.