I. ˈbelt noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German balz belt; both from Latin balteus belt
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a strip of flexible material worn especially around the waist as an item of clothing or a means of carrying something (as tools)
b. : a similar article worn as a corset or for protection or safety or as a symbol of distinction
2. : a continuous band of tough flexible material for transmitting motion and power or conveying materials
3.
a. : an area characterized by some distinctive feature (as of culture, habitation, geology, or life forms) ; especially : one suited to a particular crop
the corn belt
b. : asteroid belt
4. : beltway 1
• belt·ed ˈbel-təd adjective
• belt·less ˈbelt-ləs adjective
•
- below the belt
- under one's belt
II. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to encircle or fasten with a belt
b. : to strap on
2.
a. : to beat with or as if with a belt : thrash
b. : strike , hit
3. : to mark with a band
4. : to sing in a forceful manner or style
belt ing out popular songs
5. : to drink quickly
belt ed down a shot of whisky
intransitive verb
1. : to move or act in a speedy, vigorous, or violent manner
2. : to sing loudly
III. noun
Date: 1899
1. : a jarring blow : whack
2. : drink
a belt of gin