gird

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
gird1

▶verb (past and past part. girded or girt) literary encircle or secure with a belt or band.

■ surround; encircle: the mountains girding Kabul.

– phrases
gird (up) one's loins (or gird oneself for something) prepare and strengthen oneself for something difficult.

– origin OE gyrdan, of Gmc origin; rel. to girdle1 and girth.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
gird2 archaic

▶verb make cutting or critical remarks. ▶noun a critical or taunting remark.

– origin ME (in the sense ‘strike, stab’): of unknown origin.