The word "stomacher" is spelled with a "ch" instead of a "k" in spite of its pronunciation. It is transcribed in IPA phonetics as /ˈstʌm.ə.tʃər/. The "ch" sound represents the "k" sound in the Etymology of the word, which comes from the Old French word "estomach", meaning "stomach". The word "stomacher" is used to describe a piece of clothing worn primarily by women in the 16th and 17th century, which was worn over the chest and stomach.
A stomacher is a noun that refers to a decorative piece of clothing primarily worn by women, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is designed to cover the front of the bodice of a gown or dress. The stomacher is typically triangular-shaped and is made from a variety of materials such as silk, brocade, or velvet. It is usually heavily adorned with intricate embroidery, lace, pearls, or other decorative elements, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
Traditionally, a stomacher was worn to enhance the overall look of the gown and to showcase wealth and status. It was often fastened to the bodice using brooches, pins, or ties, enabling easy removal for washing or customization. Stomachers allowed women to update the appearance of their gowns by swapping them out for different occasions or to match changing fashion trends.
Due to its historical significance, the stomacher is often associated with formal attire, especially during royal or aristocratic events. It became an essential accessory in the wardrobes of noblewomen, and variations of it can still be seen today in contemporary fashion and historical reenactments.
In summary, a stomacher is a triangular piece of decorative clothing that covers the front of a gown or dress, typically worn by women in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is intended to add ornamental value, showcase wealth, and can be easily attached or removed from the bodice.
An ornamental covering worn over the breast by women.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stomacher" is derived from the Old French "estomacher", which comes from the Latin word "stomachāre", meaning "to feel annoyance or anger". In the 16th and 17th centuries, a "stomacher" referred to a decorative panel worn over the chest and abdomen of women's clothing. It was often elaborately embroidered and served as an adornment in fashion. The term "stomacher" also evolved to refer to various other meanings, such as a part of a corset, a detachable front of a petticoat, or a decorative piece on the front of a ceremonial gown.