corse

n. [ F., dim. of OF. cors. F. corps, body. See Corse. ] 1. Armor for the body, as, the body breastplate and backpiece taken together; -- also, used for the entire suit of the day, including breastplate and backpiece, tasset and headpiece. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The thorax of an insect. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Engl.Law) An offering made to the church at the interment of a dead body. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., dim. of OF. cors, F. corps, body. See Corse. ] 1. In the Middle Ages, a gown or basque of which the body was close fitting, worn by both men and women. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An article of dress inclosing the chest and waist worn (chiefly by women) to support the body or to modify its shape; stays. [ 1913 Webster ]