a bodice () is an article of clothing for women and girls, covering the body from the neck to the waist. the term typically refers to a specific type of upper garment common in europe during the 16th to the 18th century, or to the upper portion of a modern dress to distinguish it from the skirt and sleeves. the term comes from "pair of bodies" (because the garment was originally made in two pieces that fastened together, frequently by lacing).