Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A bustle, usually in the shape of a pad or cushion, intended to give the desired curve to a woman's hips and back.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word dress-improver.
Examples
-
Arrière-pensée we have seen used, with comic intent but sad effect, for a bustle or dress-improver; and, with sad intent but comic effect, for an afterthought; it is better confined to its real meaning of an ulterior object, if indeed we cannot be content with our own language and use those words instead.
Foreign Words. 1908
-
The crinoline had not quite reached its full circumference, and the dress-improver had not even been thought of.
The Old Wives' Tale Arnold Bennett 1899
-
Hotel is of a sort of Doll's House order of architecture, splendid front, no depth to speak of, and built on so steep an ascent that it is hoisted up at the back like a lady's skirt by a dress-improver.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, September 24, 1887 Various 1876
Comments
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.