Corsage

/kɔːrˈsɑːʒ/ noun

Definition

A small bouquet of flowers worn on a woman's dress or around her wrist, typically for special occasions like proms or weddings.

Etymology

From French corsage meaning 'bust, bodice,' from corps meaning 'body.' Originally referred to the bodice of a dress, but by the 19th century came to mean the flowers worn on or near the bodice.

Kelly Says

The corsage tradition at American high school proms has created an entire micro-industry of flower preservation, with teenagers spending considerable effort to keep their prom corsages as keepsakes. The practice actually evolved from medieval times when people wore aromatic flowers to ward off disease and bad odors.

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