The story
From Latin labrum (“lip”) + -et; modelled on anklet, bracelet, etc. Sometimes incorrectly assumed to be of French origin. Pronounced in the fasion industry as /lɒˈbreɪ/ (pseudo-Gallicism).
First known use, by meaning
- from 1843 A body piercing consisting of an adornment attached to the lip.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.