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