cummerbund
UK[ˈkʌməbʌnd]US[ˈkʌmərˌbʌnd]
n
A wide sash worn around the waist, especially by men as part of formal evening wear.
Etymology
The word 'cummerbund' entered English in the early 17th century from the Hindi word 'kamarband', which itself derives from the Persian 'kamarband', literally meaning 'loin band' or 'waist band' ('kamar' = waist, 'band' = band or bond). British colonial officers in India adopted the garment for its practicality in the hot climate, and it was later stylized and incorporated into Western formal evening wear as a decorative sash. The term's journey from a functional item of dress in South Asia to a sartorial convention in the West exemplifies the cultural exchange facilitated by colonial contact.
Analysis
This word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in English. Its components are not productive morphemes within the English language system.
Examples
He adjusted his black satin cummerbund before heading to the ball.
The dress code for the gala requires a tuxedo with a bow tie and cummerbund.
She chose a crimson cummerbund and bow tie to add a splash of color to his formal attire.