placket

Etymology

From French plaquer (“to lay or clap on”). See placard.

noun

1. A slit or other opening in an item of clothing, to allow access to pockets or fastenings
   Dislike dressing together. Nicked myself shaving. Biting her nether lip, hooking the placket of her skirt. 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses
   When the placket of his shirt gave way, the stones tore freely into the skin on his chest and back, and he no longer imagined Lucy Hartley enjoying his guitar serenades—he wondered if he would get to the roof alive. 2001, Glen David Gold, Carter Beats the Devil
2. (obsolete) A petticoat, especially an underpetticoat.
   Is there no manners left among maids? will they wear their plackets where they should bear their faces? c. 1610, William Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale, act 4, scene 4
3. (obsolete, slang, by extension) A woman.
   […] was that brave [hart] made to pant for a placket: and now i’th’ dog-days too, when nothing dare love! 1647, John Fletcher, The Humorous Lieutenant, London: H.N., 1697, act 4, scene 1, page 50
   After this, the vengeance on the whole camp! or rather, the bone-ache! for that, methinks, is the curse dependent on those that war for a placket. c. 1601, William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, act 2, scene 2
4. (obsolete) A woman's pocket.
5. (historical) A leather jacket strengthened with strips of steel.
6. (historical) An additional plate of steel on the lower half of the breastplate or backplate.