[Bell Historians] Stays

[John Camp]

At 21:47 on 24 February 2009, Anne Willis wrote:
> I strongly suspect that Mr Butler made female garments.  There would
> have to be an awful lot of bad ringing to justify a dedicated stay
> maker!

I think this is likely.  The OED has a quotation: "1888 Pall Mall Gaz.
4 June 10/1 The parties conducted a large stay-making and ladies'
underclothing business."

John Camp