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gird

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

To encircle with a belt or band; to bind around; to prepare for action or battle, as in "gird your loins," meaning ready yourself for effort.

Detailed Definition
“Gird” implies readiness—arming, bracing, or encircling. In biblical and epic poetry, it signals transition to action or defense. The verb’s compactness suits imperative calls to courage. Poets use it to frame moments of resolve, where physical preparation mirrors mental fortitude, reinforcing themes of duty, vigilance, or impending trial.
Example
Example in poetry:
"Gird thy loins for battle," in a heroic call; In biblical poetry adopted by Milton: "Gird up thy loins like a man"; "She girded herself with courage"; "Gird not for war, but for peace"; "The knight girded his sword at dawn"; Gird your heart against despair.
Additional Notes
“Gird” means to encircle or prepare for action (“gird your loins”); in biblical or heroic poetry, it signals resolve before trial, linking physical readiness with moral or spiritual fortitude through embodied metaphor.
Also Known As
girdle encircle prepare
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