See Cincture.

A close fitting undergarment, elasticized &/or boned, that extends from the waist to below the hips. (Think of the bottom half of a corset.) Often it had detachable garters. Now called a 'shaper' or 'shapewear.' The vintage ones are quite sought after, as are the ones made in the ‘classic' styles with modern fabrics.

A white cord, tied around the waist over the Alb. Also known as a Cincture. Black girdles are sometimes worn over the cassock.

The name given to any undergarment that is close fitting, often boned and usually elasticized, that extends from the waist to below the hips. With the new fabrics and construction techniques available, this word has become somewhat obsolete and has been replaced with the word shaper or shapewear.

An elasticized, flexible womenâ€(tm)s undergarment worn over the waist, hips and sometimes legs to give the body a more slender appearance. Popular in the early half of the twentieth century, girdles have evolved into more modern shapers and other foundation options that offer women form, with more freedom.