girth
UK: ɡɜːθ | US: ɡɜːrθ
n. 1. The measurement around the middle of something, especially a person's waist or an animal's body.
n. 2. A strap or band fastened around the belly of a horse or other animal to secure a saddle or load.
The word "girth" traces back to Old Norse gjǫrð, meaning "belt" or "girdle," reflecting its original association with encircling or binding. Over time, it evolved in Middle English to specifically denote the measurement around an object (e.g., a waist or animal's torso) and the strap used to secure saddles. The logic ties to the core idea of "encircling," whether for measurement or fastening.
The tailor measured the girth of the customer's waist for the new suit.
A loose girth can cause the saddle to slip while riding.
The tree's girth was over five feet, indicating its age.
She tightened the horse's girth before mounting.
The package's girth exceeded the shipping company's limits.