1.  A close-fitting undergarment, often reinforced by stays, worn to support and shape the waistline, hips, and breasts.

2. A medieval outer garment, especially a laced jacket or bodice.

tr.v., -set·ed, -set·ing, -sets.  To enclose in or as if in a corset.
[Middle English, bodice, from Old French, diminutive of cors, body, from Latin corpus.]

The corset is a boned and close-fitting lingerie piece that creates structure and control. By reducing the waist and exaggerating the bust and hips, the corset emphasizes a woman’s curvy figure.

Corsets begin either above or just below the bust and extend down to the waist or below the hips. They compare in shape to the bustier, but are often strapless.

The corset has quite a history in women’s fashion. It was first used in the 16th century, as a way of making the torso look more cylindrical by flattening the breasts and creating cleavage that would spill out over the top.

Since then, the corset has changed in many ways to fit the style of the times. While some still wear them to create a slender shape, today’s corsets allow more breathing room and are mainly used to create a sexy outfit in the bedroom or as a top, used as outerwear with a pair of jeans, pants or a skirt.