backlessadj.
/ˈbaklɪs/ a. Without a back, having no back.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > [adjective] > open or not enclosed > at the back
backless1823
1823 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Oct. 470/2 Bare benches, and backless seats.
1827 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) IV. 79 A car (which must not have been backless).
1882 Harper's Mag. Apr. 786 Narrow backless benches.
b. Applied to a woman's garment cut low at the back.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [adjective] > having specific parts > other
capedc1550
footeda1652
untuckered1713
yoked1852
flapped1860
long-trousered1866
panty leg1908
backless1926
shoulderless1928
wrap-over1960
1926 C. Beaton Diary 18 Oct. in Wandering Years (1961) 142 She [sc. Teddie Gerrard] innovated backless dresses and huskily croaked, ‘We're so glad to see you're back, dear lady!’
1960 Harper's Bazaar Oct. 52 A backless, strapless foundation with a contour bust.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1885; most recently modified version published online December 2018).
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adj.1823