belt
.
Searchable Lemmata: belt (OE), belt (ME), belt (OScots), belt (MdE).
Alternate Forms: baltheo, belte.
Definitions and Defining Citations:
1a(n.)
Accessory;
flexible strap, girdle or sash, normally worn around the body (esp. the waist), to cinch garments; often used to carry weapons or tools.
In earlier uses (and in OE), 'girdle' seems to have been used more generally than 'belt'.(circa 900 still in current use)
1. Ða Helmstan ða undæde gedyde ðæt he Æðeredes belt forstæl, ða ongon Higa him specan sona on mid oðran onspecendan & wolde him oðflitan ðæt lond.
Legal.
[DOE Ch 1445 (0002 (2)) 899/924]
Sex: Male, Female Use: n/a Status: n/a Rank: n/a Ceremonial: No
Body Parts: Chest, Shoulder(s), Waist.
Etymological Evidence:
Speculative, Germanic, probably derived from Latin balteus, -um (before 650). For the relationship between the Old Norse and the Old English, see Björkman (1900), p. 231.
WF:
Etym Cog: belti (ON), balteus (L), balz (OHG).
