Main Entry: ¹gird

Pronunciation: \ˈgərd\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): gird·ed \ˈgər-dəd\ or girt \ˈgərt\; gird·ing

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

Date: before 12th century

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 actionintransitive verb : to prepare for action

— gird one's loins : to prepare for action : muster up one's resources