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girdler

[gurd-ler]
noun
  1. a person or thing that girdles.
  2. any of several insects, as a beetle, Oncideres cingulata (twig girdler), that cut a groove around the bark of a twig, stem, etc.
  3. a person who makes girdles.
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Origin of girdler

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at girdle, -er1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for girdler

Historical Examples

  • Besides,” said she, “Mr Girdler thinks it the best thing, and he is your guardian.

    Tom, Dick and Harry

    Talbot Baines Reed

  • The Fusilier had struck on that part of the sands named the Girdler.

    Battles with the Sea

    R.M. Ballantyne

  • They think that she is on the Girdler Sands, but she may be on the Shingles.

    Storm Warriors

    John Gilmore

  • He was introduced to them all as the Rev. Mr. Girdler, and created a most favorable impression, especially among the young women.

  • They search narrowly, but in vain, and at last hurry away as the Girdler light-ship still continues to fire heavy guns.

    Storm Warriors

    John Gilmore

British Dictionary definitions for girdler

girdler

noun
  1. a person or thing that girdles
  2. a maker of girdles
  3. any insect, such as the twig girdler, that bores circular grooves around the stems or twigs in which it lays its eggs
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012