BASQUE (CLOTHING)

A 'basque' is an item of women's historical apparel. The term, of French origin, can mean either a long corset or jacket characterised by a close, contoured fit and extending past the waistline over the hips.
In Victorian outerwear, ''basque'' refers to a closely fitted jacket extending at the back past the waistline over the hips, to be worn over a bustle.
In 20th century and contemporary attire, the term is used to refer to an article of lingerie, particularly a torso-hugging camisole that resembles a basque or corset (typically featuring decorative front or back lace-up detail), but of more delicate construction and offering little or no figure-molding compression.
''Basque'' may also refer to details reminiscent of lingerie such as frilly lace and cutout, "peekaboo" designs.
Note: Today the term "basque" is a synonym for torsolette.