subs. (common).—A stoop in walking. [Affected by some women c. 1869–80.] Cf., ALEXANDRA LIMP, ROMAN FALL, ITALIAN WRIGGLE, KANGAROO DROOP.
1821. Etonian, ii., 57. In person he was of the common size, with something of the GRECIAN BEND, contracted doubtless from sedentary habits.
1869. Daily Telegraph, 1 Sept. I do not, however, think the ‘stoop’ our girls now have arises from tight-lacing. Some affect what is called the GRECIAN BEND.
1870. Orchestra, 25 March. ‘Grand Comic Concert.’ The ladies have their GRECIAN BEND, our typical gentleman explains a correspondent masculine affectation which he dubs ‘The Roman Fall—The Roman Fall.’
1871. Morning Advertiser, 4 Dec. A lady of five feet becomes, say, five feet two inches per heels, five feet six inches per hair, five feet again, per GRECIAN BEND.
1876. Chambers’s Journal, No. 629. Your own advocacy for the GRECIAN BEND and the Alexandra limp—both positive and practical imitations of physical affliction.
1886. Cornhill Magazine, Dec., p. 618. You ain’t nearly fine enough for a waitress or for ’im, neether. He likes a smart young woman with a GRECIAN BEND.
