Cosset and corset are two words that are easily confused. We will look at the difference in meaning between the words cosset and corset, where they come from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Cosset means to pamper, to coddle, to overprotect. Cosset is a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Related words are cossets, cosseted, cosseting. In the middle of the sixteenth century, the word cosset meant a lamb that was raised by hand. By the end of the 1500s, the word was applied to a spoiled child. Cosset is probably derived from the Old English term cot-sæta, which means one who lives on a cot.
A corset is a piece of foundation clothing women wear in order to shape their figures. A corset generally extends from the chest to the hips. Corset is also sometimes used as a verb to mean to wear a corset, related words are corsets, corseted, corseting. The word corset is borrowed from Old French word corset, first used in the 1200s.
Examples
“He is an embodiment of the spirit of the brand campaign and the character of GMC’s products, which is tailored toughness; our cars are large, bold and project leadership, but cosset their occupants in complete safety and premium comfort.” (The National)
I feel safe, secure and at the same time stimulated, with my bare feet on cool grass, cosseting my choice plants or sorting out the caterpillars. (The Telegraph)
Whether or not Prada was making a political or a feminist statement (or neither), the corset, even a homespun one, is a highly charged garment that is often cited as a symbol of female oppression. (Vogue Magazine)