brassière
(ˈbræsɪɛə(r), -ɪə, -z-)
Also brassiere.
[Fr., orig. (17c.) bodice, now chiefly in pl. ‘leading strings (of infant)’.]
A woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts.
| 1911 Daily Colonist (Victoria, B.C.) 5 July 3/7 (Advt.), Brassieres of fine cambric, lace and embroidery trimmed. 1912 Queen 27 July 10 (Advt.), The Stylish Figure of To-Day requires a Brassiere. 1936 W. Holtby South Riding iv. vi. 262 Her young body, partially covered by pink brassière, trunks, [etc.]. 1961 J. Heller Catch-22 (1962) iv. 39 An unhooked brassiere was as close as you ever hoped to get to Paradise. |