cummerbund

Definition

A broad sash, especially one that is pleated lengthwise and worn as an article of formal dress, as around a man's waist together with a tuxedo or dinner jacket.

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindustani کمر بند / कमरबंद (kamarband), from Classical Persian کمربند (kamarband), from کمر (kamar, “waist”) + بند (band, “band”).

Example Sentences

• "All this splendor was set off by a black shawl kummerbund, and blackish upper vest of the cloth called keem-khab, embroidered with large gold leaves. The vest was made like those of all other Mahomedans, but the lower part of it stuck out as you see painted in Indian prints, and altogether destroyed his figure; and the kummerbund was large and heavy."
• "Bounty cloathing is to be allowed, in the firſt inſtance, to the corps of Ordnance Drivers, according to the uſage of the Service, and with the bounty cloathing each individual is to be ſupplied on the formation of the corps with a blue turban and a red cummerbund at the coſt of the Government. […] the uniform turban and cummerbund to be afterwards provided by individuals, and kept up at their own expence."
• "[W]e observe both Hindoo and Mahomedan guarding most consciously against solar heat, as well as cold. The turban and cummerbund meet our eye at every step:—the former, to defend the head from the direct rays of a powerful sun; the latter, apparently, for the purpose of preserving the important viscera of the abdomen from the deleterious impressions of cold. This [cummerbund] is certainly a most valuable part of their dress; and one that is highly deserving of imitation. […] In situations where atmospherical vicissitudes are sudden, a fine shawl round the waist forms an excellent cummerbund, and should never be neglected, especially by those who have been some time in the country, or whose bowels are in any degree tender."