liberty bodice

English

Noun

liberty bodice (plural liberty bodices)

1. (UK, now historical) A tight, sleeveless underbodice, originally as typically worn by children to allow for more freedom of movement than a corset.
   • 1933, Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth, Penguin 2005, p. 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”.