What is "body suit"

n. a tight-fitting garment of stretchy material that covers the body from the shoulders to the thighs (and may have long sleeves or legs reaching down to the ankles); worn by ballet dancers and acrobats for practice or performance [syn: leotard, unitard, cat suit]

A body suit or full body suit is an extensive tattoo, usually of a similar pattern, style or theme that covers the entire torso or the entire body.

They are associated with freak show and circus performers, as well as with traditional Japanese tattooing.

Such suits are of significant cultural meaning in some traditional cultures, representing a rite of passage, marriage or a social designation.

The example pictured of a full body suit in progress displays a horned snake on the chest that wraps around to the back continuing onto the right arm, two birds on the left arm, a foo dog on the right leg and a mouse and monkey on the left leg.