Bodice

A bodice is an item of feminine clothing, serving the function of holding in the middle and lower torso. In the more demure cases it extends up towards the neck line, framing the chemise; in the less demure, it tends to exhibit (by underpinning and upthrusting) the bosomal area. Often requires lacing, either front or back.

It was the forerunner of the corset, but worn outside rather than underneath.