girth

[ gurth ]
/ gɜrθ /

noun

the measure around anything; circumference.
a band that passes underneath a horse or other animal to hold a saddle in place, especially one having a buckle at each end for fastening to straps running from under the flaps of the saddle.
something that encircles; a band or girdle.

verb (used with object)

to bind or fasten with a girth.
to girdle; encircle.
Also girt.

Origin of girth

1300–50; Middle English girth, gerth < Old Norse gerth girdle; akin to gird1

OTHER WORDS FROM girth

un·der·girth, noun un·girthed, adjective

Words nearby girth

Example sentences from the Web for girth

British Dictionary definitions for girth

girth
/ (ɡɜːθ) /

noun

the distance around something; circumference
size or bulk a man of great girth
a band around a horse's belly to keep the saddle in position

verb

(usually foll by up) to fasten a girth on (a horse)
(tr) to encircle or surround

Word Origin for girth

C14: from Old Norse gjörth belt; related to Gothic gairda girdle 1; see gird 1