King James Bible Dictionary

1. Heb. hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers (1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 20:8; 1 Kings 2:5; 2 Kings 3:21) or women (Isaiah 3:24).

2. Heb. ezor, something "bound," worn by prophets (2 Kings 1:8; Jeremiah 13:1), soldiers (Isaiah 5:27; 2 Samuel 20:8; Ezekiel 23:15), Kings (Job 12:18).

3. Heb. mezah, a "band," a girdle worn by men alone (Psalms 109:19; Isaiah 22:21).

4. Heb. abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal and state officers (Exodus 28:4, 39, 40; 29:9; 39:29).

5. Heb. hesheb, the "curious girdle" (Exodus 28:8; R.V., "cunningly woven band") was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material.

The common girdle was made of leather (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4); a finer sort of linen (Jeremiah 13:1; Ezekiel 16:10; Daniel 10:5). Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow (Isaiah 3:24; 22:12). They were variously fastened to the wearer (Mark 1:6; Jeremiah 13:1; Ezekiel 16:10).

The girdle was a symbol of strength and power (Job 12:18, 21; 30:11; Isaiah 22:21; 45:5). "Righteousness and faithfulness" are the girdle of the Messiah (Isaiah 11:5).

Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Matthew 10:9. A. V., "purses;" R.V., marg., "girdles." Also Mark 6:8).

Worn by:

The high priest
Exodus 28:4; Exodus 28:39; Exodus 39:29; Leviticus 8:7; Leviticus 16:4

Other priests
Exodus 28:40; Exodus 29:9; Leviticus 8:13

Women
Isaiah 3:24

Embroidered
Exodus 28:8; Exodus 28:27-28; Exodus 29:5; Leviticus 8:7

Made of linen
Proverbs 31:24

Made of leather
2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4

Traffic in
Proverbs 31:24

Used to bear arms
1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 20:8; 2 Kings 3:21

Figurative
Isaiah 11:5; Isaiah 22:21; Ephesians 6:14

Symbolic
Jeremiah 13:1-11; Acts 21:11; Revelation 15:6

an essential article of dress in the East, and worn by both men and women. The common girdle was made of leather, (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4) like that worn by the Bedouins of the present day. A finer girdle was made of linen, (Jeremiah 13:1; Ezekiel 16:10) embroidered with silk, and sometimes with gold and silver thread, (Daniel 10:5; Revelation 1:13; 15:6) and frequently studded with gold and precious stones or pearls. The military girdle was worn about the waist; the sword or dagger was suspended from it. (Judges 3:16; 2 Samuel 20:8; Psalms 45:3) Hence girding up the loins denotes preparation for battle or for active exertion. Girdles were used as pockets, as they still are among the Arabs, and as purses, one end of the girdle being folded back for the purpose. (Matthew 10:9; Mark 6:8)

GIRD'LE, noun

1. A band or belt; something drawn round the waist of a person, and tied or buckled; as a girdle of fine lines; a leathern girdle

2. Inclosure; circumference.

3. The zodiac.

4. A round iron plate for baking.

5. Among jewelers, the line which encompasses the stone, parallel to the horizon.

GIRD'LE, verb transitive To bind with a belt or sash; to gird.

1. To inclose; to enrivon; to shut in.

2. In America, to make a circular incision, like a belt, through the bark and alburnum of a tree to kill it.

GIRD'LE-BELT, noun A belt that encircles the waist.

GIRD'LER, noun One who girdles; a maker of girdles.

GIRD'LE-STEAD, noun The part of the body where the girdle is worn.