Basque (clothing) facts for kids

A basque bodice, from Godey's Lady's Book, January 1857

A basque is a type of jackets, bodice or long corset worn by women. In Victorian fashion, basque means a closely fitted bodice or jacket extending past the waistline over the hips. It is so called because the original French fashion for long women's jackets was adopted from Basque traditional dress.

From 20th century or later, basque also refers to certain lingerie articles.