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A cummerbund is a broad waistband, typically made of silk, worn around the waist. It is most commonly seen as part of a man's formal wear, often worn instead of a vest with a tuxedo. The word "cummerbund" originates from Hindi and Urdu, derived from Persian words meaning "waist" and "band". Historically, in the 19th century, it was believed to have medicinal properties, thought to protect against ailments like dysentery and cholera.12

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