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gird

verb (1)
\ ˈgərd How to pronounce gird (audio) \
girded\ ˈgÉ™r-​dÉ™d How to pronounce girded (audio) \ or girt\ ˈgÉ™rt How to pronounce girt (audio) \; girding

Definition of gird

 (Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to encircle or bind with a flexible band (such as a belt)
b : to make (something, such as clothing or a sword ) fast or secure (as with a cord or belt) gird a sword by a belt
c : surround
2 : provide, equip especially : to invest with the sword of knighthood
3 : to prepare (oneself) for action

intransitive verb

: to prepare for action both sides are girding for battle
gird one's loins
: to prepare for action : muster up one's resources

gird

verb (2)
girded; girding; girds

Definition of gird (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to sneer at : mock

intransitive verb

: gibe, rail An unbearable ill-humour settled on the ship: men, mates, and master, girding at one another all day long.— Robert Louis Stevenson

gird

noun

Definition of gird (Entry 3 of 3)

: a sarcastic remark
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about gird

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Examples of gird in a Sentence

Noun

 in her farewell speech, the departing governor got in some retaliatory girds at the media

First Known Use of gird

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1546, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gird

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Old English gyrdan; akin to Old English geard yard — more at yard

Verb (2)

Middle English, to strike, thrust

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More Definitions for gird

gird

verb
\ ˈgərd How to pronounce gird (audio) \
girded or girt\ ˈgÉ™rt \; girding

Kids Definition of gird

1 : to encircle or fasten with or as if with a belt or cord Her waist was girded with a purple sash.
2 : to prepare for conflict or for some difficult task When he heard Dana bellow, Roy closed his eyes and girded himself for the worst.— Carl Hiaasen, Hoot

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More from Merriam-Webster on gird

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with gird

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gird

Spanish Central: Translation of gird

Nglish: Translation of gird for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of gird for Arabic Speakers

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