Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Brassiere \Bras`siere"\ Brassiere
\Bras`si[`e]re"\(br[.a]*z[=e]r"), n. [F.]
A form of woman's undergarment, often stiffened with wire or
whalebones, or the like, and worn to cover and support the
breasts; -- also called bra. It usually has straps which
support it from the shoulders, but strapless variants are
also made.
Syn: bra, bandeau.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]