~ 1
■ verb ( past and past participle ~ed or girt ) literary encircle or secure with a belt or band.
↘surround; encircle: the mountains ~ing Kabul.
Phrases
~ ( up ) one's loins (or ~ oneself for something) prepare and strengthen oneself for something difficult.
Origin
OE gyrdan , of Gmc origin; related to ~le 1 and girth .
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~ 2
archaic
■ verb make cutting or critical remarks.
■ noun a critical or taunting remark.
Origin
ME (in the sense 'strike, stab'): of unknown origin.