English Dictionary

Definition of “girdle”

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1girdle1 (ˈɡɜːdəllPronunciation for girdle1) 

Definitions

noun

  1. a woman's elastic corset covering the waist to the thigh
  2. anything that surrounds or encircles
  3. a belt or sash
  4. jewellery the outer edge of a gem
  5. anatomy any encircling structure or part See pectoral girdle , pelvic girdle
  6. the mark left on a tree trunk after the removal of a ring of bark

verb (tr)

  1. to put a girdle on or around
  2. to surround or encircle
  3. to remove a ring of bark from (a tree or branch), thus causing it to die

Alternative Forms

ˈgirdle-ˌlike adjective

Word Origin

Old English gyrdel,  of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse gyrthill,  Old Frisian gerdel,  Old High German gurtila; see girdOld English of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse Old Frisian Old High German see 1

2girdle2 (ˈɡɜːdəllPronunciation for girdle2) 

Definitions

noun

  1. Scottish Northern England dialect another word for griddle

Usage examples

  • Sometimes old Grace drops in to make girdle scones and we all eat them round the fire, piping hot with jam or butter.
    Fraser, Christine Marion, Noble Beginnnings (1994)
  • Tape left in place can constrict growth under the tape, or possibly girdle the branch.
    The Australian (2004)
  • Sancho Panza's belly has burst the seams of Venus's girdle.
    Times, Sunday Times (2004)
  • Charles Bessières then picked up the leather bag that supposedly contained St Agnes's girdle.
    Bernard Cornwell, The Grail Quest (3) HERETIC (2004)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'G'

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