Smocking refers to a tightly gathered section of material, usually elasticated for comfort and decoratively stitched. Mainly used in the bust area of a dress though also a popular de tail to the waist and cuffs.
Author's Note: I will never forget the pink dress my Godmother gave me for the 9th birthday with a very dainty smocking on top of the bust area and on the cuffs. I brought the dress on my summer vacation in my grandfather's hometown and was very proud to wear it as my Sunday/church dress.