1670s, "articles made or sold by a milliner;" see milliner + -y (1). By 1838 as "the industry of making bonnets and other headdresses for women," which in 19c. was noted as a women's occupation.

"small cabinet with drawers for women's needlework, cloth, etc.," 1806, from French chiffonnier, a transferred use, literally "rag gatherer," from chiffon, diminutive of chiffe "rag, piece of cloth, scrap, flimsy stuff" (see chiffon).

1706, "headband," from French bandeau, from Old French bandel, bendel "bandage, binding" (12c.), diminutive of bande "band" (see band (n.1)). As a style of women's top or bra by 1968.

1650s, "familiar friend, person with whom one is intimate," from intimate (adj.). Sometimes 17c.-19c. in false Spanish form intimado. Latin intimus had a similar noun sense. Intimates as a commercial euphemism for "women's underwear" is from 1988.

1832, "one who digs clams from rivers and seashores," from clam (n.) + digger. Clam-diggers as a style of women's casual pants hemmed at mid-calf (supposedly resembling styles worn by those digging clams in mud) is by 1995.

1823, "frill of a men's shirt," from French jabot "gizzard (of a bird), frill on a shirt front" (16c.), a word of unknown origin. Klein suggests a connection with gaver "to cram, gorge," and thus ultimately with English jaw (n.). Of women's clothing from 1869.

also hip-huggers, "low-rise pants or skirt," 1966, from hip + agent noun from hug. So called because they are slung from the hips, not the waist. Earlier as the name of a cut of women's swimsuit (1963). Hiphugger (adj.) is attested from 1966.

Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to, near, at."

It forms all or part of: abate; ado; ad-; ad hoc; ad lib; adage; adagio; add; adjective; adore; adorn; adult; adverb; advertise; agree; aid; alloy; ally; amontillado; amount; assure; at; atone; exaggerate; paramount; rapport; twit.

It is the hypothetical source of/evidence for its existence is provided by: Sanskrit adhi "near;" Latin ad "to, toward;" Old English æt.

1530s, "far ahead in the course of actions or ideas; being beyond others in attainment, degree, etc.," past-participle adjective from advance (v.). Of studies, from 1790. Of age, by 1713. In late 19c. used especially in reference to views on women's equality.