Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GIRD'LE, n. [Sax. gyrdle, gyrdl; Sw. gördel; G. gürtel; D. gordel.]

1. A band or belt; something drawn round the waist of a person, and tied or buckled; as, a girdle of fine linen; a leathern girdle.
2. Inclosure; circumference. Within the girdle of these walls. Shak.
3. The zodiac. Bacon.
4. A round iron plate for baking. [Qu. griddle.] Pegge.
5. Among jewelers, the line which encompasses the stone, parallel to the horizon. Cyc.