gird

¹gird

verb \ˈgərd\

gird·ed \ˈgər-dəd\ or girt \ˈgərt\ gird·ing

Definition of GIRD

transitive verb

1

a : to encircle or bind with a flexible band (as a belt)

b : to make fast (as a sword by a belt or clothing with a cord)

c : surround

2

: provide, equip; especially : to invest with the sword of knighthood

3

: to prepare (oneself) for action

intransitive verb

: to prepare for action

— gird one's loins

: to prepare for action : muster up one's resources

Origin of GIRD

Middle English, from Old English gyrdan; akin to Old English geard yard — more at yard

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with GIRD

bird, Bird, burred, curd, furred, Heard, herd, nerd, spurred, surd, third, urd, word

²gird

verb

Definition of GIRD

transitive verb

: to sneer at : mock

intransitive verb

: gibe, rail

Origin of GIRD

Middle English, to strike, thrust

First Known Use: 1546

³gird

noun

Definition of GIRD

: a sarcastic remark

Examples of GIRD

1. <in her farewell speech, the departing governor got in some retaliatory girds at the media>

First Known Use of GIRD

1566

Related to GIRD

Synonyms

affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (also diss) [slang], epithet, insult, indignity, name, offense (or offence), outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur

Related Words

catcall, gibe (or jibe), jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt; abuse, invective, vituperation; disapproval, opprobrium; disgrace, dishonor, shame; attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe; torment, torture

Near Antonyms

accolade, commendation, compliment; acclaim, applause, praise; adulation, flattery