FAS'CIA
In a general sense, any long narrow strip of cloth employed as a bandage.
3. (ἀπόδεσμος ). A bandage fastened round the chests of young girls, in order to restrain the growth of the bosom by its pressure (Mart. Ep. xiv. 134. Ov. A. Am. iii. 247. Prop, iv. 9. 49. ) ; a subdued breast being considered essential to grace and beauty in the young female figure.
But it is not to be considered as a part of the ordinary dress, nor of universal use, either in Greece or Italy ; being only applied where the person inclined to excessive developement, or by mothers over anxious to promote the personal attractions of their daughters. Ter. Eun. ii. 3. 21.
The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary and Greek lexicon
Anthony Rich
London
1849