belt  (bělt) 
n. A flexible band, as of leather or cloth, worn around the waist to support clothing, secure tools or weapons, or serve as decoration. Something that resembles this type of band: a belt of trees.
An encircling route. A seat belt or safety belt. A continuous band or chain for transferring motion or power or conveying materials from one wheel or shaft to another. A band of tough reinforcing material beneath the tread of a tire. A geographic region that is distinctive in a specific respect: "This is America's rural poverty belt" (Charles Kuralt). Slang A powerful blow; a wallop. Slang A strong emotional reaction. Slang A drink of hard liquor.
tr.v.
belt·ed, belt·ing, belts
To encircle; gird. To support or attach with or as if with a belt: belt one's trousers; belted the sword to her waist. To mark with or as if with an encircling band. To beat with a belt or strap. Slang To strike forcefully; hit. Slang To sing in a loud and forceful manner: belt out a song. Slang To swig (an alcoholic beverage).
[Middle English, from Old English, ultimately from Latin balteus.] |
