gird one's loins

Variant of loin

loin definition

loin (lo̵in)

noun

  1. the lower part of the back on either side of the backbone between the hipbones and the ribs
  2. the front part of the hindquarters of beef, lamb, mutton, veal, etc. with the flank removed
  3. the hips and the lower abdomen regarded as a part of the body to be clothed or as the region of strength and procreative power

Etymology: ME loine < OFr loigne < VL *lumbea < L lumbus: see lumbar

loin Idioms

gird (up) one's loins

to get ready to do something difficult or strenuous

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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