Hello,
	I am reading an 1853 diary of a governess from central Louisiana.
The writer frequently mentions sewing on or fitting a Josie/Josey.  She
".fitted on a black silk dress and Josey, the latter too large for her" (p.
32).  "Fitted on my Josey, it was Just right" (p. 10).  I am not familiar
with this costume term and when I asked colleagues I was given two
possibilities.  One, a fitted woman's bodice, separate from a skirt, and
two, an undergarment worn by slaves.  Can anyone help clarify this term?

Thank you so much for your assistance.

Jenna

Jenna T. Kuttruff, Ph.D.
Doris & Jules Carville Professor
School of Human Ecology
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803