Where Does the Saying Straitlaced Come from?

straitlaced or straight-laced
MEANING: adjective: Excessively strict, rigid, old-fashioned, or prudish. ETYMOLOGY: From Middle English streit (narrow), from Old French estreit, from Latin strictus, past participle of stringere (to bind, draw tight) + laqueus (noose).

Where did the term straight laced come from?

Origin of Strait-Laced

This term comes from a women's clothing item: a bodice. Women wear this garment on the upper body, and it is similar to a vest. People fasten it with ties or laces. A woman with a strait-laced bodice has the bodice laced tightly. This term finds its first printed sources from the 15th century.

How do you use straitlaced in a sentence?

Straitlaced in a Sentence ?
  1. The pastor came from a very straitlaced Christian family.
  2. Because she was straitlaced, she wanted to marry a man who held the same value system.
  3. Everyone at the church benefit were straitlaced, wealthy community members. ...
  4. Moving to the city was eye-opening for the straitlaced country girl.
Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.