I have a reverence for these old garments, as I make no doubt they have figured about these apartments in days long past, when they have set off the charms of some peerless family beauty; and I have sometimes looked from the old housekeeper to the neighbouring portraits, to see whether I could not recognize her antiquated brocade in the dress of some one of those long-waisted dames that smile on me from the walls.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
Now a citizen might be seen closely muffled up in his large cloak, more to hide the dress beneath than to keep out the cold; then a gentleman would hasten along in his bag-wig, and sword by his side, long flowered waistcoat, and deep waisted coat, politely returning the salutations of all who bowed; indeed, all the world was abroad, a few in carriages or on horseback, but mostly on foot: it was not yet dinner time.
"The Prime Minister"
W.H.G. Kingston
"I'll ask mother to make me a high-waisted white gown like this one, with pale blue trimmings and a big blue sash," she planned.
"Marjorie Dean High School Freshman"
Pauline Lester