girth

American  

[gurth] / gɜrθ /

noun

1. the measure around anything; circumference.

2. a band that passes underneath a horse or other animal to hold a saddle in place, especially one having a buckle at each end for fastening to straps running from under the flaps of the saddle.

3. something that encircles; a band or girdle.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bind or fasten with a girth.

2. to girdle; encircle.

girth British  

/ ɡɜːθ /

noun

1. the distance around something; circumference

2. size or bulk

   a man of great girth

3. a band around a horse's belly to keep the saddle in position

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verb

1. (usually foll by up) to fasten a girth on (a horse)

2. (tr) to encircle or surround

Other Word Forms

• undergirth noun
• ungirthed adjective

Etymology

Origin of girth

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English girth, gerth, from Old Norse gerth “girdle”; akin to gird ¹

Related Words

• circumference