Brassiers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Supportive undergarments designed to cover and shape the breasts; brass instruments made of metal used in music ensembles; boldness or audacity to act without hesitation
2. Garments worn under clothing to support breasts; musical horns typically made from brass alloy; impudence or nerve shown in behavior
3. Clothing items that provide breast support and contouring; metal-wind instruments played in bands and orchestras; characteristic daring or cheekiness in attitude

Etymology: The clothing sense comes from French "brassière," which was a child's bodice or undergarment before it became a women's garment. The French word is built on "bras," meaning "arm," probably because the garment was fastened around the arms and body. English borrowed the French form, and everyday speech later shortened it to "bra." The other two senses share a metal, not a French root. "Brass" the alloy gave English both the musical sense, since brass instruments are made of it, and the figurative sense of "brass" as bold or impudent nerve. That figurative use likely comes from the idea of brass as hard, shiny, and unashamed, as in the phrase "brass neck" for cheek. "Brassy," meaning loud or brazen, follows the same path.

Synonyms: bra, bralette, lingerie, undergarment, corset