Glossary of Terms

L

Lingerie

lin·ge·rie

[lan-zhuh-ree, lahn-zhuh-rey, -juh-; Fr. lanzhuh-ree]
noun
1. underwear, sleepwear, and other items of intimate apparel worn by women.

2. Archaic . linen goods in general.

Etymology: 1835 (not widespread until 1852), from Fr. lingerie "things made of linen," also "laundry room, linen shop" (15c.), from O.Fr. linge "linen" (12c.), from L. lineus (adj.) "of linen," from linum "flax, linen" (see linen). Originally introduced in English as a euphemism for "scandallous under garments".