different between backpiece vs corselet

English

Etymology

back +? piece

Noun

backpiece (plural backpieces)

1. A decorated comb that attaches a veil to the back of a bride's head.
2. A large tattoo on a person's back.
3. A piece or plate of armour protecting a person's back.

   Synonym: backplate

English

Alternative forms

• corcelet
• corselette
• corslet

Etymology

From French corselet, from cors, an archaic spelling of corps (“body”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?k??sl?t/

Noun

corselet (plural corselets)

1. Armor for the body, as, the body breastplate and backpiece taken together.
2. The entire suit of the day, including breastplate and backpiece, tasset and headpiece.
   • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 21:

     Strictly speaking, the word corcelet meant only that part which covered the body, but was generally used to express the whole suit, under the terms of a corselet furnished, or complete.

3. A tight-fitting item of clothing which covers the body and not the limbs.
4. A type of women's underwear, combining a bra and a girdle in one garment; a corselette.
5. (zoology) The thorax of an insect.
   • 1897, Henry James, What Maisie Knew:

     With the added suggestion of her goggles it reminded her pupil of the polished shell or corslet of a horrid beetle.

Translations

Anagrams

• Electors, corelets, electors, electros, selector

French

Etymology

Diminutive form of Old French cors.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /k??.s?.l?/

Noun

corselet m (plural corselets)

1. corselet (garment)
2. (zoology) corselet, thorax

Further reading

• “corselet” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).