Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CINC'TURE, n. [L. cinctura, from cingo, to surround, to gird; It. cintura; Fr. ceinture.]

1. A belt, a girdle, or something worn round the body. – Pope.
2. That which encompasses, or incloses. – Bacon.
3. In architecture, a ring or list at the top and bottom of a column, separating the shaft at one end from the base; at the other, from the capital. It is supposed to be in imitation of the girths or ferrils anciently used to strengthen columns. – Chambers.