girdle: Meaning and Definition of

gir•dle

Pronunciation: (gûr'dl), [key]
— n., v., -dled, -dling.
—n.
  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. the edge or narrow band between the upper and lower facets of a gem.
  5. the bony framework that unites the upper or lower extremities to the axial skeleton.
  6. 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.
—v.t.
  1. to encircle with a belt; gird.
  2. to encompass; enclose; encircle.
  3. to move around (something or someone) in a circle.
  4. to cut away the bark and cambium in a ring around (a tree, branch, etc.).
  5. round (def. 51).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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