I. ˈbelt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German balz belt, Old Norse belti; all from a prehistoric Germanic word borrowed from Latin balteus girdle, belt
1.
a. : a strip of flexible material (as leather, plastic, cloth) used in a circular form with or without a buckle or other closing and for wear generally around the waist (as a support for trousers, a decoration for dresses, or a means of carrying weapons, tools, or ornaments)
sword belt
b. : a similar article worn as a corset or as a protection for the body (as a medical bandage or support) or for safety (as by airplane passengers or telephone linemen)
c. : a mark or symbol of distinction in the form of a belt
the championship belt of heavyweight boxing
2. : a continuous band of tough flexible material (as leather, rubber, fabric, wire) for transmitting motion and power from one pulley to another or for conveying materials — see chain belt illustration
3.
a. : an area distinctively characterized by its species or forms of life
a pine belt
a forest belt
b. : an elongated area characterized by some particular geologic feature or ocurrence and generally not so extensive as a zone
mountain belt
belt of volcanoes
coal belt
oil belt
c. : a region marked by the prevalence of some type of inhabitant or noteworthy condition
the goiter belt
the vacationland belt
4. : a horizontal band of brick or stone running across a face of a masonry wall or pier
5.
[Danish bælt: akin to Middle High German Belte meer Baltic sea]
: a strait leading to the Baltic sea
6. : one of several roads or routes arranged concentrically : belt highway
•
- below the belt
- under one's belt
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English belten, from belt, n.
transitive verb
1.
a. : to encircle, girdle, or fasten with a belt
a cord belting a gown
paraphernalia belted together
b. : to gird on
belt on a gun and ammunition
c. : to invest (a person) with a distinction or title
belt a squire with the rank of knight
2.
a. : to beat with or as if with a belt : thrash
b. : to strike vigorously : hit
belt a person in the jaw
— often used with out
belting out a triple
3. : to mark with or as if with a band
all equipment to be sold was belted in green
belted with a shining porch of enormous pillars — Robinson Jeffers
specifically : girdle 3a
belt a tree
4. : to sing in a very loud forceful manner or style
the hoydenish numbers are belted across effectively — Bill Simon
— usually used with out
belt out a high note
intransitive verb
: to move, act, or perform in a vigorous or violent manner
belt along in a car
waves belting over a ship
III. noun
( -s )
1. : a jarring blow : jolt , whack
gave the ball a terrific belt
a belt of lightning
2. slang : a strong emotional reaction
get a terrific belt out of this tale — New Republic
IV. intransitive verb
( -s )
: to sing loudly
• bel·ter noun