Middle English Dictionary Entry
gusset n.
Entry Info
| Forms | gusset n. Also guy(u)set, gysset. |
| Etymology | OF gosset, gousset. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Arm. A wedge of chain mail fitting under the armpit, a gusset; (b) a gusset of cloth (apparently having some heraldic function).
Associated quotations
a
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)3.55 : To han of maille eke a peire bras, And þer-with-al, as þe custom was, A peir gussetis on a petycote, Garnyssched with gold vp on-to the þrote.
- a1486 Arms Chivalry (Mrg M 775)43 : The gussetis of mayle muste be sowid unto the dowbelet in the bought of the arme.
b
- (1322) Doc.in HMC Var.Col.7334 : iiij guyusettes veteres de serico cum diversis schuchonibus, viij gyssettes veteres de serico de Inde, xij guyssettes veteres de rubio serico.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1500 Dc.45 Artist.Recipes (Dc 45) 149/18 : Poyntes of cloþyng: lappys, voldys, gocetes, plyys, poyntes, valys, rumpys, plytes.
Note: New spelling.
Note: ?New sense. Cf. OED gusset, n., 2. a. 'A triangular piece of material let into a garment to strengthen or to enlarge some part, esp. in order to afford ease in movement.'