Stomacher brooch of brilliants and fine oriental pearls.

From about 1850 onwards jewellery varied between these outsize sprays, stomachers and corsage montages and smaller, more delicate pieces which appeared almost understated by contrast.

The most striking accessory of all, however, was a diamond stomacher, a kind of lapidary bib that covered the princess's chest and stomach. We do not know exactly what Charlotte was thinking as she stood under the weight of silver, ermine, velvet, and jewels. But we know what many who saw her thought about her stomacher.

Over it he placed a chain mail stomacher. Then, atop all, he strapped on an item of shaped metal he called a tace. “There,”he said at last. “She might knock the windout of you, but she won't kill you.”

Irritated to find his way barred by a brace of Englishmen, Victoire took one below the ear and the other low down, through the mail stomacher, before tramping on into the shade of a tree and sitting down with his back to the trunk.

Stomacher

Meaning

Noun