1. young working-class French women, especially seamstresses or shop girls, typically associated with 19th-century Parisian bohemian culture
Usage: historical; French cultural context

Examples

• The novel depicted the lives of grisettes in 19th-century Paris.
• Many grisettes worked in the garment district during the day.
• The artist’s studio was frequented by local grisettes and students.
• Grisettes were often portrayed in French literature of the period.
• The café was popular among grisettes from nearby shops.
• Historical accounts describe grisettes as independent young women.