noun, verb, -dled, -dling.| 1. | a lightweight undergarment, worn esp. by women, often partly or entirely of elastic or boned, for supporting and giving a slimmer appearance to the abdomen, hips, and buttocks. |
| 2. | a belt, cord, sash, or the like, worn about the waist. |
| 3. | anything that encircles, confines, or limits. |
| 4. | Jewelry. the edge or narrow band between the upper and lower facets of a gem. |
| 5. | Anatomy. the bony framework that unites the upper or lower extremities to the axial skeleton. |
| 6. | Architecture. an ornamental band, esp. one surrounding the shaft of a column. |
| 7. | a ring made about a tree trunk, branch, etc., by removing a band of bark. |
| 8. | to encircle with a belt; gird. |
| 9. | to encompass; enclose; encircle. |
| 10. | to move around (something or someone) in a circle. |
| 11. | to cut away the bark and cambium in a ring around (a tree, branch, etc.). |
| 12. | Jewelry. round (def. 51). |
gir·dle (gûr'dl) ![]() (click for larger image in new window) n.
[Middle English girdel, from Old English gyrdel; see gher-1 in Indo-European roots.] |
girdle gir·dle (gûr'dl)
n.
Something that encircles like a belt.
An elasticized, flexible undergarment worn over the waist and hips.
The pelvic or pectoral girdle.
Girdle
(1.) Heb. hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers (1 Sam. 18:4; 2 Sam. 20:8; 1 Kings 2:5; 2 Kings 3:21) or women (Isa. 3:24). (2.) Heb. 'ezor, something "bound," worn by prophets (2 Kings 1:8; Jer. 13:1), soldiers (Isa. 5:27; 2 Sam. 20:8; Ezek. 23:15), Kings (Job 12:18). (3.) Heb. mezah, a "band," a girdle worn by men alone (Ps. 109:19; Isa. 22:21). (4.) Heb. 'abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal and state officers (Ex. 28:4, 39, 40; 29:9; 39:29). (5.) Heb. hesheb, the "curious girdle" (Ex. 28:8; R.V., "cunningly woven band") was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material. The common girdle was made of leather (2 Kings 1:8; Matt. 3:4); a finer sort of linen (Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10; Dan. 10:5). Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow (Isa. 3:24; 22:12). They were variously fastened to the wearer (Mark 1:6; Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10). The girdle was a symbol of strength and power (Job 12:18, 21; 30:11; Isa. 22:21; 45:5). "Righteousness and faithfulness" are the girdle of the Messiah (Isa. 11:5). Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Matt. 10:9. A. V., "purses;" R.V., marg., "girdles." Also Mark 6:8).