Main Entry:

¹gir·dle

Pronunciation:

\ˈgər-d^əl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English girdel, from Old English gyrdel; akin to Old High German gurtil girdle, Old English gyrdan to gird

Date:

before 12th century

1: something that encircles or confines: as a: an article of dress encircling the body usually at the waist b: a woman's close-fitting undergarment often boned and usually elasticized that extends from the waist to below the hips c (1): shoulder girdle (2): pelvic girdle 2: the edge of a brilliant that is grasped by the setting — see brilliant illustration