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 verb1 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: surround2: provide, equip ; especially : to invest with the sword of knighthood3: to prepare (oneself) for actionintransitive verb: to prepare for action

— gird one's loins

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