/gerrth/ , n.
1. the measure around anything; circumference.
2. a band that passes underneath a horse or other animal to hold a saddle in place, esp. one having a buckle at each end for fastening to straps running from under the flaps of the saddle. See illus. under saddle .
3. something that encircles; a band or girdle.
v.t.
4. to bind or fasten with a girth.
5. to girdle; encircle.
Also, girt .
[ 1300-50; ME girth, gerth gerth girdle; akin to GIRD 1 ]