leotard

noun

1. a skintight, one-piece garment for the torso, having a high or low neck, long or short sleeves, and a lower portion resembling either briefs or tights, worn by acrobats, dancers, etc.

noun

1. a tight-fitting garment covering the body from the shoulders down to the thighs and worn by acrobats, ballet dancers, etc
2. (plural) US and Canadian another name for tights (def. 1b)

n.1881, leotards, named for Jules Léotard (1830-1870), popular French trapeze artist, who performed in such a garment.