[a. F. berthe, englished as bertha, from the proper name, F. Berthe, Eng. Bertha.] A deep falling collar, usually of lace, attached to the top of a low-necked dress, and running all round the shoulders.
a. 1856. Alb. Smith, Sketches of Day, Ser. I. III. i. She dresses by the fashion books, believing berthe and birth to be words of equal worth in the world.
1869. Athenæum, 18 Dec., 826. A Bertha of ancient point lace.
1881. Miss Braddon, Asphodel, xix. 208. Neat laced berthas fitting close to modestly-covered shoulders.
