Grecian bend

Noun

Grecian bend (plural Grecian bends)

1. (archaic, informal) Among women, a posture once regarded affected,the upper body being inclined forward.
   • his hump was subdued into a Grecian bend, and his lack-lustre eyes seemed beaming with tenderness and admiration.1826–1827, [Benjamin Disraeli], Vivian Grey, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC
   • They nodded affably when Fanny introduced her, said something civil, and made room for her at the table round which they sat waiting for Monsieur. Several of the more frolicsome wore imitating the Grecian Bend, some were putting their heads together over little notes, nearly all were eating...1869–1870, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, An Old-Fashioned Girl, Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, published 1870, →OCLC
2. (archaic, informal) An exaggerated bustle (frame worn underneath a woman's skirt), the effect of which is generally assisted by high-heeled boots.
   • I reckon that, by and by, they will begin and make fashions to suit themselves, and will not be under the necessity of sending to Paris or to the East to find out the fashions or to find out whether they shall make their Grecian bends one-half, two-thirds or one-third as large as in New York; or...1871, Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, volume 13, Gathering the Saints