loin

[ loin ]
/ lɔɪn /

noun

Usually loins. the part or parts of the human body or of a quadruped animal on either side of the spinal column, between the false ribs and hipbone.
a cut of meat from this region of an animal, especially a portion including the vertebrae of such parts.
loins,
  1. the parts of the body between the hips and the lower ribs, especially regarded as the seat of physical strength and generative power.
  2. the genital and pubic area; genitalia.

Idioms for loin

    gird (up) one's loins, to prepare oneself for something requiring readiness, strength, or endurance: He girded his loins to face his competitor.

Origin of loin

1275–1325; Middle English loyne < Middle French lo(i)gne, perhaps < Vulgar Latin *lumbea, noun use of feminine of *lumbeus of the loins, equivalent to Latin lumb(us) loin + -eus -eous

Example sentences from the Web for loins

British Dictionary definitions for loins (1 of 2)

loins
/ (lɔɪnz) /

pl n

the hips and the inner surface of the legs where they join the trunk of the body; crotch
  1. euphemistic the reproductive organs
  2. mainly literary the womb

British Dictionary definitions for loins (2 of 2)

loin
/ (lɔɪn) /

noun

Also called: lumbus anatomy the part of the lower back and sides between the pelvis and the ribs Related adjective: lumbar
a cut of meat from this part of an animal
See also loins

Word Origin for loin

C14: from Old French loigne, perhaps from Vulgar Latin lumbra (unattested), from Latin lumbus loin

Medical definitions for loins

loin
[ loin ]

n.

The part of the body on either side of the spinal column between the ribs and the pelvis.

Idioms and Phrases with loins

loin

see gird one's loins.