To fifty chosen Sylphs, of special note,We trust th' important charge, the Petticoat:Oft have we known that seven-fold fence to fail,Tho' stiff with hoops, and arm'd with ribs of whale;Form a strong line about the silver bound,And guard the wide circumference around.Alexander Pope, The Rape of the Lock Here's an article that might help clear … Continue reading On Whalebones & Petticoats